Lagos government launches probe into collapse of three-storey shopping complex

LASBCA has launched an investigation into the collapse of a three‑storey shopping complex located in Alakija, Satellite Town, Oriade Local Council Development Area.

The announcement was made by LASBCA’s General Manager, Mrs. Florence Gbaye, in a statement signed by the agency’s Director of the Public Affairs Unit, Mr. Ademuyiwa Adu, on Friday.

She added that a secondary structural analysis and a detailed investigation would be carried out to ascertain the cause of the collapse.

Gbaye urged residents and community leaders in Lagos to report distressed, abandoned or suspicious buildings to LASBCA for swift intervention.

“Building safety is everyone’s responsibility.”

“We encourage residents to immediately notify LASBCA of any building showing signs of distress or any incident in their environment so that necessary action can be taken before lives and property are endangered,” she said.

She reaffirmed LASBCA’s commitment to promoting safe building practices, enforcing building regulations, and protecting lives and property throughout Lagos State.

She expressed sympathy for the individuals, families, and business owners impacted by the incident.

Gbaye encouraged the public to report building‑related incidents via LASBCA’s toll‑free line, 07000‑527222, to receive a prompt response and assistance.

Meanwhile, a NAN correspondent on the scene on Friday reported that some occupants of the collapsed building claimed they were unaware that the state government had marked it for demolition.

However, an anonymous government official said the building had been marked for demolition, yet the occupants had not vacated.

He added that evacuation continued into the early hours of Friday, during which nine bodies were recovered and 27 people rescued.

NAN reports that emergency responders remained on site. (NAN)