Kwara seals distressed building, orders immediate demolition

By Muyideen Aliyu

The Kwara State Government has sealed off a dilapidated one-storey building and directed its immediate demolition in the Oke-Suna area of Ilorin East Local Government Area.

The enforcement action followed complaints from community members to the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) that the building had become structurally unsafe and was at risk of imminent collapse, endangering residents and passersby.

The reports prompted the agency to undertake an immediate inspection and enforcement exercise to avert a potential disaster.

Speaking during the enforcement, a resident informed KWEPA officials that the community had repeatedly drawn the property owner’s attention to the deteriorating condition of the building.

However, despite several warnings and appeals, the owner allegedly failed to take the necessary remedial measures.

The General Manager of KWEPA, Hon. Jide Aina, described the condition of the building as a grave danger to public safety and directed the owner to commence its immediate demolition.

He warned that if the owner fails to comply with the directive, the state government will have no option but to demolish the structure to protect lives and property.

Aina reaffirmed the Kwara State Government’s commitment to safeguarding residents through proactive environmental enforcement, strict compliance with safety regulations, and the timely removal of hazards capable of causing avoidable tragedies.

He called on residents across the state to continue supporting the government’s efforts by promptly reporting abandoned buildings, distressed structures, environmental nuisances, and other hazards to the agency for swift intervention.