Sanwo-Olu orders demolition of distressed buildings after the Alakija collapse killed nine people, warning erring property owners of prosecution

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the immediate demolition of all structurally distressed buildings surrounding the site of the collapsed three-storey building in Alakija, Lagos, following a tragedy that claimed nine lives and left 27 people rescued alive.

The directive was announced on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, during an inspection of the collapse site on behalf of the governor, as the Lagos State Government intensified measures to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also directed that owners of the collapsed building and other property owners found to have violated building safety regulations should be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Lagos State.

“Our first duty is to sympathise with the families who lost their loved ones. The governor is saddened by this unfortunate incident and prays that such a tragedy never happens again,” Omotoso said.

According to the commissioner, the collapsed building had previously been identified as structurally distressed and officially marked for evacuation by relevant authorities. However, some occupants allegedly ignored the government’s directive and continued to occupy the property.

Describing the incident as avoidable, Omotoso stressed that strict compliance with evacuation notices could have prevented the loss of lives.

“All buildings already marked as distressed around this area will be pulled down. We cannot afford to wait for another building to collapse before taking action. Protecting lives remains the government’s highest priority,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that emergency responders worked throughout the night following the collapse, successfully rescuing 27 occupants alive from the rubble. Sadly, nine victims were confirmed dead after the extensive rescue operation.

Omotoso commended the coordinated response by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, the Command and Control Centre, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and other emergency agencies involved in the operation.

He also confirmed that investigations into the immediate cause of the building collapse were ongoing, while survivors rescued from the debris were receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across the state.

“The owners of the collapsed building are under investigation. Anyone found culpable or who frustrated government enforcement efforts will face prosecution. No one is above the law,” Omotoso stated.

The commissioner further condemned the construction of buildings beneath high-tension electricity transmission lines, describing the practice as a serious threat to public safety.

“You cannot build under high-tension power lines. It is dangerous, unlawful and unacceptable in any civilised society. Such actions show complete disregard for public safety, and the government will not tolerate them,” he added.

Omotoso urged residents occupying buildings that have been identified as unsafe to comply immediately with government evacuation directives, emphasising that preserving human life must always take precedence over economic interests.

“No business, source of income or personal convenience is worth risking human lives. Residents must cooperate with government officials whenever evacuation becomes necessary,” he said.

Also speaking during the inspection, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, praised emergency workers and security personnel for their dedication throughout the overnight rescue operation, describing their swift response as instrumental in saving lives.

The Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr Gbenga Oyerinde, who accompanied Omotoso to the site, also commended the professionalism and commitment demonstrated by the various emergency response agencies.

Building collapses have remained a recurring safety concern in Lagos, with authorities repeatedly attributing many incidents to structural defects, non-compliance with approved building standards, substandard construction practices and the continued occupation of properties declared unsafe.

The latest tragedy is expected to intensify enforcement of building regulations and strengthen efforts to safeguard lives and property across the state.