A survivor of the three-storey building collapse at Alakija in Lagos has disclosed that visible cracks had appeared on the structure days before it caved in, raising fresh concerns over compliance with safety regulations and the handling of distressed buildings.

Speaking after narrowly escaping the tragedy, Mr. Kenneth Nwabueze said occupants had noticed signs of structural failure and informed the landlord, but no immediate action was taken before the building collapsed on Thursday.

Nwabueze, who lost his apprentice in the incident, described his survival as a miracle, saying he left the building only minutes before the structure came down.

According to him, cracks had developed on parts of the building about a week before the collapse, prompting tenants to alert the landlord about the danger.

“There were visible cracks on the walls and the landlord was informed, but nothing was done before the building collapsed,” he said.

He explained that occupants remained in the building because they believed repairs would soon commence after assurances from the landlord.

Nwabueze recounted that he had briefly stepped out to deliver a job when he received a distress call informing him that the building had collapsed and several people were trapped beneath the rubble.

“I rushed back immediately and directed rescuers to where my workers were trapped. Some people were rescued alive, but my apprentice did not survive,” he said.

The survivor lamented the loss of lives and property, noting that the tragedy could have been avoided if necessary preventive measures had been taken.

He urged residents to prioritise their safety whenever signs of structural defects appear in any building.

“Life comes first. Property and money can be replaced, but lives cannot. People should never ignore warning signs,” he said.

The collapse claimed nine lives and left several others injured, prompting the Lagos State Government to order investigations and announce plans to prosecute owners of distressed buildings who fail to comply with safety directives.

Authorities have since reiterated warnings to residents to immediately vacate buildings marked as structurally unsafe to prevent similar incidents.

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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.

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