Sanwo‑Olu Orders Demolition of Distressed Houses Near Alakija Collapsed Building

·Owner to face trial

The Lagos State Government has announced that all buildings identified as distressed in the vicinity of the collapsed three‑storey structure at Alakija will be demolished, Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu stated yesterday.

During an inspection of the site, Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, acting on behalf of the Governor, expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and praised the emergency responders for their rapid response.

He reported that 27 people were rescued alive from the rubble while nine individuals died.

“The search and rescue operation lasted all night. The site is still being monitored by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Police, Command and Control Centre, Neighborhood Watch and other agencies,” the commissioner said.

“Governor Sanwo‑Olu is saddened by this incident and sends his condolences,” Omotoso added. “This should not have happened if people had obeyed the law instead of prioritising livelihoods over lives. The collapsed building had been marked as structurally distressed and occupants were directed to vacate, but the warning was ignored.”

“All other buildings already marked as unsafe within the area will be demolished to prevent similar tragedies and avoid compromising the lives of others around,” he continued.

“Twenty‑seven people were rescued alive, while nine casualties were recorded during the search and rescue. Governor Sanwo‑Olu commiserates with the families who lost their loved ones,” Omotoso said.

The commissioner also pledged that owners of the collapsed building would be prosecuted by the state. “Anyone found to have violated building regulations or frustrated enforcement efforts will surely face legal action,” he said.

Omotoso condemned the construction of buildings beneath high‑tension electricity lines, describing the practice as “dangerous” and “suicidal.”

According to the commissioner, the cause of the collapse is under investigation. “Survivors are receiving treatment at various hospitals.”

“Owners of the collapsed and other distressed buildings will be prosecuted for culpability in the incident, according to the law of Lagos State.”

“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 that,” Omotoso said.

The government urged residents to comply with safety directives, stressing that protecting lives remains its top priority.

Omotoso advised all residents of buildings around the scene to relocate immediately. He praised the first responders for “a good job.”

 With Omotoso was Special Duties Commissioner Gbenga Oyerinde, who also praised the first responders “for their efforts.”

LASEMA Permanent Secretary Dr. Olufemi Oke‑Osanyintolu also commended “all first responders and security personnel who worked tirelessly for the evacuation of survivors as the building was brought to ground zero.”