The Lagos State Government has revealed that occupants of the three-storey building that collapsed in the Alakija area had earlier been directed to vacate the premises but returned after pretending to comply with the evacuation order.
The building, located in the Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA), collapsed on Thursday, claiming the lives of nine persons, while 27 others were rescued from the debris.
Speaking during an inspection of the site on Friday on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the structure had been identified as distressed and marked for evacuation before the incident.
According to him, despite the government’s directive, some occupants secretly returned to the building, resulting in the tragic loss of lives.
Omotoso announced that the state government would demolish other buildings identified as structurally defective in the area to prevent similar disasters, stressing that the safety of residents remains a top priority.
He also warned residents against ignoring evacuation notices, emphasizing that no business or economic activity is worth risking human lives.
The commissioner further condemned the construction and occupation of buildings beneath high-tension power lines, describing the practice as a violation of safety regulations.
He added that the owners of the collapsed building are under investigation and will face prosecution if found culpable.
Omotoso commended the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, security agencies and other emergency responders for their swift efforts, which led to the rescue of 27 victims from the rubble.