The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish all buildings identified as structurally distressed around the site of the collapsed three-storey building in Alakija, Satellite Town, as part of efforts to prevent future disasters.
The government also vowed to prosecute the owners of the collapsed structure and any other individuals found to have violated building regulations or obstructed enforcement actions.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, disclosed this on Friday while inspecting the site on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
According to him, the governor is deeply saddened by the incident and has extended condolences to the families of the victims.
Omotoso revealed that 27 people were rescued alive from the rubble, while nine others lost their lives during the rescue operation.
Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Police, the Command and Control Centre, and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, remained at the scene to complete recovery efforts.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu is saddened by this incident. He sends his condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones,” Omotoso said.
He disclosed that the collapsed building had previously been identified as structurally distressed and marked for demolition, with occupants directed to vacate the premises.
“This tragedy should not have happened. The building had been marked as distressed and occupants were asked to move out, but the directive was ignored. Livelihoods were unfortunately prioritised over lives,” he stated.
The commissioner announced that all other buildings already marked as unsafe within the vicinity would be demolished without delay to protect lives and property.
He further stated that the owners of the collapsed structure, as well as owners of other distressed buildings found culpable, would face prosecution under Lagos State laws.
“Anyone found to have violated building regulations or frustrated enforcement efforts will be prosecuted. Owners of the collapsed and other distressed buildings will be held accountable under the law,” he said.
Omotoso also condemned the construction of buildings beneath high-tension electricity lines, describing the practice as dangerous and unacceptable.
“You cannot build under high-tension power lines. It is dangerous and unacceptable in any civilised society. It shows a disregard for the law, and the government will not tolerate it,” he added.
He noted that investigations into the cause of the collapse were ongoing while survivors continued to receive medical treatment at various hospitals.
The commissioner advised residents occupying buildings around the affected area to relocate immediately and comply with safety directives issued by the authorities.
He also commended emergency responders for their professionalism and dedication throughout the rescue mission.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, praised first responders and security agencies for their tireless efforts during the operation, which continued until the structure was completely brought down.
Also present during the inspection was the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, who lauded the coordinated response of emergency agencies in managing the disaster.
