Lagos Govt Announces Plan To Demolish All Distressed Buildings In Alajika Area

The Lagos State Government said it will demolish all distressed buildings in the Alakija area following the collapse of a two-storey building that claimed several lives.

The announcement was made by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, during a visit to the scene of the incident on Thursday.

According to him, the collapsed building had already been identified as unsafe and marked for demolition.

Omotoso said officials had earlier instructed residents to move out of the building, but the warning was ignored.

He added that the government will also remove other damaged buildings and structures located beneath high-tension electricity lines to reduce the risk of future disasters.

The commissioner, who led a government delegation to inspect the site, expressed sympathy to the families of those who died and wished those receiving treatment a quick recovery.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has now completed its search, rescue and recovery operation at the building located near Alakija Bus Stop in Satellite Town, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area.

The agency said 27 people were rescued through the joint efforts of emergency responders, other government agencies and community members. A total of nine bodies were recovered from the rubble, including four people who had already died before rescue workers arrived.

Following the incident, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to immediately inspect nearby buildings to determine whether they are structurally safe.

He also ordered strict enforcement of building regulations across the area to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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