The Lagos State Government has ordered the demolition of all distressed buildings surrounding the collapsed three-storey building at Alakija, along the Badagry Expressway, as part of efforts to prevent similar tragedies.
A statement by the Lagos State Government said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the directive during an inspection of the collapse site on Friday, where he was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso.
Speaking at the scene, Omotoso sympathised with the families of the victims and commended emergency responders for their swift response to the incident.
He disclosed that 27 persons were rescued alive from the rubble, while nine others lost their lives during the overnight search and rescue operation.
According to him, officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Police, the Command and Control Centre, the Neighbourhood Watch and other emergency agencies remained at the scene throughout the operation.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu is saddened by this incident. He sends his condolences.
“This should not have happened if people had obeyed the law instead of prioritising livelihoods over lives. The collapsed building had been marked as structurally distressed, and occupants were directed to vacate the premises, but the warning was ignored,” he said.
He further announced that all buildings previously identified as unsafe within the area would be demolished to prevent another disaster.
“All other buildings already marked as unsafe within the area will be demolished to prevent similar
