Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the demolition of all buildings identified as structurally distressed around the site of the collapsed three-storey building in the Alakija area to protect lives and prevent future incidents.
Eko Hot News reports that the directive was announced during an inspection of the collapse site on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, who represented the governor. He conveyed Governor Sanwo-Olu’s condolences to the families affected and commended emergency responders for their swift and coordinated efforts.
According to the commissioner, emergency teams successfully rescued 27 people from the building, while nine people lost their lives despite continuous rescue operations that lasted throughout the night.
Officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Nigeria Police Force, the Command and Control Centre, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and other emergency agencies remained on the ground throughout the operation.
Omotoso said Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed deep sadness over the incident, noting that it could have been prevented if official safety directives had been followed.
He explained that the building had previously been identified as structurally distressed and occupants were instructed to vacate the premises. However, the directive was not complied with before the incident occurred.
The commissioner disclosed that all other buildings already marked as unsafe within the area would be removed as a preventive measure to safeguard residents and reduce future risks.
He added that the Lagos State Government remains committed to enforcing building safety regulations to protect lives and ensure compliance with approved standards.
Omotoso also announced that the owners of the collapsed building, as well as owners of other distressed structures found to have violated building regulations, would face legal action in line with existing state laws.
He stressed that the government would hold accountable anyone found to have ignored safety regulations or obstructed enforcement measures designed to protect residents.
The commissioner also condemned the construction of buildings beneath high-tension electricity lines, describing the practice as highly unsafe and unacceptable. He urged property owners and developers to comply fully with approved planning regulations.
According to him, investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the building collapse, while survivors continue to receive medical care at various hospitals.
Omotoso appealed to residents living in neighbouring buildings around the affected area to relocate immediately where advised by relevant authorities, pending further structural assessments.
He reaffirmed that the Lagos State Government will continue strengthening building safety enforcement to reduce structural failures and improve public safety across the state.
The commissioner also praised all emergency responders for their professionalism, dedication, and prompt response throughout the rescue operation, noting that their efforts helped save many lives.
He urged residents across Lagos to obey safety directives issued by government agencies, stressing that compliance with building regulations remains essential to protecting lives and ensuring safer communities.
