By Chinasaokwu Helen Okoro
There was panic on Monday after a two-storey building collapsed on Amusu Street, in the Orile Iganmu area of Lagos State.
Our online reporter learnt that the incident happened at about 8 am on Monday.
A viral video online shows that the building caved in as residents nearby scampered for safety.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Damilola Oke-Osanyitolu, confirmed the incident in a statement, stating that the collapse occurred due to the building’s age.
He also explained that the occupants had been advised to exit the structure but refused.
He, however, confirmed that all occupants escaped unscathed as no casualties were recorded after the collapse.
The statement read, “Upon arrival of the agency’s LRT to the scene of the incident, it was revealed that a two-storey building at the aforementioned location had collapsed as a result of the aged situation of the building.
It was also confirmed that the residents had been advised of the imminent collapse and proved recalcitrant. Fortunately, all occupants escaped unscathed ensuring no casualties to the collapse.”
The LASEMA boss also stated that immediate evacuation would be required to ensure the collapse site was cleared.
He also revealed that a building adjacent to the scene of the incident had been cordoned off, adding that an evacuation order had been issued to the occupants.
The agency’s LRT alongside, LASG FIRE, LASBCA, and Nigeria Police Force are responders at the scene with a recommendation of evacuation of the site to avert secondary incidents,” he added.
Meanwhile, the state government has called on residents and stakeholders alike to prioritise compliance with safety standards to avoid avoidable disasters.
The Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who gave the admonition in a statement on his X.com page on Monday, also condemned the unfortunate building collapse.
In the statement, Wahab expressed his sympathy while reiterating the need for public support for the state’s environmental policies.
Wahab noted that the environmental policies were not designed to punish indiscriminately but to protect lives and ensure the structural integrity of the state.
He wrote, “The unfortunate building collapse on Amusu Street, Iganmu is a sobering reminder of why we must remain firm in our regulatory actions and proactive measures.
“While this incident is deeply regrettable, it highlights the critical need for cooperation from all members of the public in supporting government efforts aimed at preventing such tragedies.
“Our policies are not designed to punish indiscriminately but to protect lives and ensure the structural integrity of our environments. It is crucial that residents and stakeholders alike prioritise compliance with safety standards to avoid avoidable disasters.”
Wahab further expressed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.
“In Lagos, we are fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of all, and we call on everyone to join hands with us in this mission to secure a safer and healthier future for our communities,” he added.
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