…As LASEMA reveals occupants ignored eviction notices
By Sodiq Adelakun
A two-storey building on Amusu Street in the Orile Iganmu area of Lagos State collapsed in the early hours of M…As LASEMA reveals occupants ignored eviction noticesonday, causing significant panic among residents. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties, as prior evacuation measures had been successfully implemented.
According to the Head of the Public Affairs Unit at the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Mr. Nosa Okunbor, the incident occurred around 8:45 am.
“LASEMA Response Teams in Search and Rescue Operation are currently at the site of the self-collapsed building on Amusu Street, Baale Bus Stop, Orile Iganmu. Fortunately, there have been no casualties, and we will continue to provide updates as the situation unfolds,” he stated.
LASEMA equally revealed that the occupants of the two-storey building Iganmu ignored eviction notices before its collapse, stating, that the Lagos State Building Control Agency had previously identified the building as distressed.
“Despite the issuance of eviction notices, some occupants remained in the building, which ultimately led to the collapse,” he noted.
An anonymous LASEMA official confirmed earlier that the building had been evacuated before its collapse.
“I can confirm that the incident took place this morning, but no casualties were recorded. An evacuation already took place prior to the collapse, which likely prevented any loss of life,” the official remarked.
Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene to assess the situation and ensure the safety of surrounding residents. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding building safety in Lagos, echoing similar collapses that have occurred in the city in recent months.
In May, a four-storey building collapsed on Lagos Island, trapping an unknown number of individuals, while a near-collapse incident in July saw family members narrowly escape as structures failed in Iyana Ipaja.
As investigations into the cause of the collapse begin, local authorities continue to stress the importance of structural integrity and building regulations to prevent future tragedies.