Sanwo-Olu orders demolition of distressed buildings after Alakija collapse, vows to prosecute owners

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered the demolition of all structurally distressed buildings around the site of the collapsed three-storey building at Alakija, warning that property owners who violate building safety regulations will face prosecution.

The directive came on Friday as the state government intensified efforts to prevent another building disaster following the collapse, which claimed nine lives and left 27 others rescued alive after an overnight search-and-rescue operation.

Speaking during an inspection of the scene on behalf of the governor, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, described the incident as avoidable, insisting that it would not have occurred if occupants had complied with government evacuation directives.

He said Governor Sanwo-Olu was deeply saddened by the tragedy and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.

“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 him, the collapsed building had earlier been identified as structurally distressed and officially marked for evacuation, but some occupants allegedly ignored the directive and continued to use the property.

He announced that every building already identified as unsafe within the vicinity would be demolished without delay to safeguard lives and prevent future disasters.

“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.

Omotoso disclosed that emergency responders worked throughout the night to rescue trapped occupants, with officials successfully pulling 27 people alive from the rubble, while nine others lost their lives.

He praised the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the police, the Command and Control Centre, the Neighbourhood Safety Corps and other emergency agencies for their prompt and coordinated response.

The commissioner also revealed that the owners of the collapsed building, as well as owners of other distressed structures found to have violated building regulations, would be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Lagos 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,” he stated.

Omotoso condemned the construction of buildings beneath high-tension electricity transmission lines, describing the practice as dangerous and unacceptable.

“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 said.

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

The commissioner urged residents living in buildings around the collapse site to vacate immediately if directed by government officials, stressing that no economic activity or source of livelihood should take precedence over human life.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, commended emergency responders and security personnel for their dedication throughout the rescue operation, describing their efforts as instrumental in bringing the rescue exercise to a successful conclusion.

The Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde, who accompanied Omotoso on the inspection, also applauded the various response agencies for their professionalism and commitment during the operation.