Nov. 16, 2023

Lagos State Government says the partially-collapsed building at Oloto Street, Borno Way, Ebute Metta, had been captured as distressed and marked for demolition before its eventual collapse.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, made this known while inspecting the old two-floor structure that partially collapsed in the early hours of Thursday.

A statement issued by Mr. Mukaila Sanusi, Spokesman for the ministry, said that the commissioner sympathised with those affected by the collapse.

Olumide said that the building was part of those recently detected and captured as distressed by Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) during its routine monitoring earlier in the month.

He said that the agency had served statutory notices, including quit notice and seal order, and initiated the process to effect removal of the building.

The commissioner said it was disheartening that occupants of the building had refused to heed the notice issued by LASBCA to avert danger.

While directing LASBCA to immediately demolish the building, he urged residents of the state to always heed government notices and vacate any distressed building to protect lives and property.