…As LASG orders probe
By Moses Adeniyi
There was outrage, panic and shock as a 21-storey building collapsed in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday afternoon and left not less than six persons confirmed dead, as rescue operations continue as at the time of filing this report.
The collapse which trapped a number of people, the exact figure of which was yet to be confirmed while filing this report, reportedly had the building developer trapped in the rubbles.
While some eyewitness said about 50 people were in the building when it collapsed, rescue operators comprising officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Police, among others were still engaged in rescue search when this report was filed.
Meanwhile the Lagos State Government has called for calm over the collapse of the 21-storey building, which is under construction on Gerrard Road, Ikoyi.
This is just as the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered an investigation into the incident.
A statement by the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, in reaction to the development, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent, read partly: “The Government Lagos Rescue Unit (LRU), Lagos State Fire Service and Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS) are on the site, battling to save the lives of those under the rubble. Three persons have been rescued, even as the operations to save more lives continue.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu has ordered an investigation into the incident.
“The Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has visited the site in the company of other officials, including the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako; Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Bamgbose- Martins; Special Adviser on Urban Development, Mr. Ganiyu Adele Ayuba; Special Adviser, GIS and Physical Planning, Dr. Olajide Babatunde; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mrs. Abiola Kosegbe as well as General Manager, LASEMA Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu.
“The Deputy Governor directed security agents to cordon off the site to facilitate rescue efforts.
“The General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Arch. Gbolahan Oki, was also at the scene assessing the site for any likely damage to the surrounding structures.
“A report of the investigations will be made public in due course.”
Meanwhile, structural engineers and other experts criticised authorities responsible for granting approval for such a strategic project.