The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish all distressed buildings in the Alakija area following the collapse of a two-storey building that claimed nine lives and left 27 others rescued.
The decision was disclosed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, during an inspection of the collapsed building on Thursday.
According to Omotoso, the building had previously been identified as unsafe and marked for demolition. However, despite repeated warnings, occupants failed to vacate the premises.
He stated that the government will now move ahead with the demolition of all distressed structures in the area, including buildings located beneath high-tension power lines, to prevent similar tragedies.
The commissioner, who led a government delegation to the scene, expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and wished those receiving treatment a speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that search, rescue, and recovery operations at the collapsed building located at Alakija Bus Stop, Satellite Town, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, have been completed.
According to the agency, 27 people were rescued alive through the combined efforts of the LASEMA Response Team, other emergency agencies, and community members.
The agency also confirmed that nine bodies were recovered, including four adults who had already died before emergency responders arrived at the scene.
Following the incident, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to immediately begin structural integrity assessments of neighbouring buildings.
The governor also instructed the agency to strictly enforce compliance with building regulations and safety standards in the area to reduce the risk of future building collapses.
The latest tragedy has renewed concerns over the safety of aging and distressed buildings in Lagos, with authorities reaffirming their commitment to enforcing building regulations and protecting residents from preventable disasters.
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