Lagos to demolish damaged buildings after mall collapse.

…Begins probe as rescue operations end

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Government announced that it will demolish every building in the Alakija area of Amuwo‑Odofin Local Government Area that had been identified as structurally unsafe, after a three‑storey building collapsed, killing nine people and rescuing 27.

The statement was issued as emergency agencies finished their rescue work at the collapse site.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso revealed the decision on Friday while briefing reporters during an inspection of the site on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu.

Omotoso offered the government’s condolences to the victims’ families and reiterated its pledge to safeguard lives by enforcing building regulations rigorously.

“On behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, we commiserate with the families who have lost their loved ones. We pray that we never witness this kind of tragedy again,” he said.

He noted that emergency responders were dispatched immediately after the incident, which resulted in the successful rescue of 27 people who were trapped.

“I want to commend all our emergency responders, including LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASBCA, the Police, the Military, the Command and Control Centre and other agencies for their swift response. By the grace of God, 27 people were rescued alive, although, sadly, nine lives were lost,” he said.

Omotoso said the collapsed building had earlier been identified as structurally defective and had been marked for evacuation, but its occupants did not comply with the government’s order.

“As you can see, these buildings had been marked as defective and people were asked to leave them. Unfortunately, they refused to comply, and this led to what happened,” he said.

He added that every other building in the area that had been identified as structurally unsafe would also be demolished to avert similar incidents.

“All the buildings that have been marked will come down. We will not allow dangerous structures to remain standing because the safety of lives is our priority,” Omotoso said.

The commissioner warned that anyone who violated building regulations or obstructed enforcement would face prosecution.

“Whoever is found to have breached the law will face the full weight of the law. Appropriate legal action will be taken against anyone responsible,” he stated.

He condemned the practice of building structures beneath high‑tension power lines, calling it dangerous and unacceptable.

“You cannot build under high‑tension power lines. It is dangerous and unacceptable in any civilised society. It shows disregard for the law, and the government will not tolerate it,” he said.

Omotoso urged residents to follow government safety directives, stressing that livelihood should never outweigh human life.

“The most important lesson here is that we should never prioritise livelihood over life. Once life is lost, everything is lost,” he said.

He added that the rescued occupants were transported to several hospitals