News
Man escapes death as two buildings collapse in Lagos
Ketu, Lagos, Nigeria – In a harrowing incident, a male adult narrowly escaped death when he fell from the topmost floor of a building due to the collapse of two structures at 47/49 Oduntan Street, Kosofe, Ketu, Lagos. The victim was promptly rescued and transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
The calamity involved a two-storey building and a four-storey building, both located adjacent to each other. The structures, which were previously utilized as a school, came crashing down partially following heavy rainfall on a fateful Saturday.
The collapse of the buildings has raised concerns and questions regarding their structural integrity and maintenance. Rescuers at the scene have attributed this unfortunate incident to the buildings’ ageing infrastructure and poor maintenance practices on the part of the owner.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for regular building inspections, maintenance, and adherence to construction and safety standards. It also underscores the importance of proactive measures to ensure the safety of occupants and passersby.
Local authorities, including the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), are expected to conduct further investigations to determine the exact cause of the collapse and ascertain whether the affected structures can be salvaged or if they pose an ongoing danger to the community.
Residents of the building were asked to vacate the building under the supervision of the combined team of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), to avert further secondary incident.
The Guardian learned that last the building will be pulled down as it has failed the structural integrity test, hence posing a threat to the public and adjoining buildings.
Confirming the incident, the general manager of LASBCA, Gbolahan Oki, said the agency
will move in swiftly to remove all distressed structures within the Agboye Compound, Ketu.
LASBCA Takes Proactive Measures to Avert Tragedy in Lagos Building Collapse
Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has taken swift and proactive action in response to the partial collapse of two structures at 47/49 Oduntan Street, Kosofe, Ketu, Lagos. Prior to the unfortunate incident caused by heavy rains on a Saturday, LASBCA had served quit notices and carried out evacuations of over 500 residents to prevent potential casualties.
Mr. Gbolahan Oki, the General Manager of LASBCA, emphasized that despite repeated notices and warnings from the Agency, some residents had refused to vacate the buildings, which were showing various signs of structural distress. The buildings in question, comprising about eight structures within the compound, have exhibited alarming structural deficiencies, raising concerns about their safety and potential danger to the community.
To mitigate further risks and prevent casualties, LASBCA has decided that the affected buildings must be demolished promptly. The agency is determined to enforce more stringent measures against those who disregard notices and directives, with the primary goal of safeguarding lives and protecting the integrity of the built environment.
This incident underscores the importance of strict adherence to safety standards, regular building inspections, and proactive intervention by regulatory authorities to ensure the safety of residents and the broader community.
The Lagos State Government has said it would soon arrange a meeting with developers/owners of distressed buildings on how best to address the redesign and remodelling of such structures by November.
This was disclosed recently by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, at a function in Alahusa, Lagos.
Olumide said the prevalence of distressed buildings in different parts of the state was worrisome and needed the urgent attention of all stakeholders.
He said, “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving the remodelling of existing buildings to provide technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on the design and remodelling of such buildings.
The Federal Government has instructed the contractors responsible for the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road dualization to expedite the project.
This directive was given by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a meeting with MTN, the Enugu State Government, and the contractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd, on Friday.
According to a statement released on Friday, the minister said he is disappointed over the slow pace of work on the project, he said, “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It is one of the worst roads in this country.
“Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points.”
He added, “So, by the reason of the launching of our Operation Free our Roads, it is now a violation of the policy on the side of the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are potholes on our roads.”
He also blamed the sufferings of road users on the lack of commitment and insensitivity of the contractors.
“The public must know that the President’s intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on,” he said.
The Minister commended the Enugu state government for their resolve to fund the construction of a 20 KM section of the road and expressed hope that MTN would execute the second phase of the project.
He noted, “Why the Enugu State government is intervening is because of the slow pace of work by the contractors and because of funding issues. The essence of tax credit is for funds to be made available. And so, I don’t see RCC going to keep their promise to finish this project in 6 months.
“My advice to MTN is to look for another contractor within that axis if they want to get the job done. Division of labour is even the best. While they are doing the road, and if Nigercat is doing a good job, you can give them greater scope to do if you want to finish that job.”
He warned contractors that the Federal Government would not accept phased handovers of projects and has phased out Variation of Price in contract administration.
The Ekiti State government has intervened to resolve a longstanding land dispute between the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adesoye, and the Atolagbe family. The government cautioned against the misuse of modernization as an excuse to disregard traditional customs.
In line with the community’s traditions, the government has ordered the release of resources, including palm trees at Oko Oba Farmland, to Oba Adesoye for his administration. This decision ensures the continued adherence to age-old practices.
Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, announced the resolution in Ado-Ekiti. The decision was made after considering the Elepe’s claim to Oko Oba Farmland based on historical evidence.
Mrs. Afuye acknowledged the Elepe’s right to be the custodian of Oko Oba Farmland, citing longstanding traditions that support his claim. The decision reflects the importance of respecting historical practices and ensuring their preservation.
The deputy governor, however, told the monarch in clear terms that other princes and princesses from all the three ruling houses should be allowed to farm on the land without payment of royalty.
Mrs Afuye appealed to the community to comply with the government’s position to restore unity, peace and orderliness to the beleaguered community.
Oba Adesoye expressed gratitude for the government’s decision and pledged to foster peace and unity between the throne and the community, aiming to accelerate Epe’s development.
Representing the Atolagbe family, Dr. Yemi Agbeleoba acknowledged their willingness to cede Oko Oba Farmland to the monarch. However, he emphasized the need for all three ruling houses to participate for a lasting and traditional solution.
Agbeleoba expressed appreciation for the government’s directive, believing it will contribute to resolving the long-standing conflict.
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