Ikoyi building collapse: We’re awaiting test results of materials, says tribunal

The tribunal set up to probe the collapse of a 21-storey building on Gerrard road, Ikoyi, Lagos, says it has engaged the services of consultants to test the materials used in constructing the structure. 

The structure, which was being developed by Fourscore Homes, caved in on November 1, leaving over 40 people dead.

Femi Osibona, owner of Fourscore Homes, is one of the 45 persons who have so far been confirmed dead.

The tribunal was set up on November 4.

Speaking with journalists on Monday, Toyin Ayinde, chairman of the panel, said some progress on the probe has been recorded, adding that the panel has visited the site for a general assessment of the rescue operations.

“The Tribunal began formal interviews with witnesses from Tuesday, 16th November, 2021, in order to identify the roles played in the activities that led to the collapse of the building and received the report from the consultants who conducted verticality tests on the remaining structures standing in the premises of the collapsed building. The results of the tests on the construction materials are still being awaited,” Ayinde said.

“The interviews conducted have been recorded for the purpose of record-keeping, and the tribunal would meet as many as are willing to present credible and factual statements, with evidence, relating to the collapse.

“The tribunal’s mode of communication would be to brief the media through press releases as and when required, so that the public may be aware of the conduct of the proceedings.

“As we proceed, we expect your cooperation and we hope that we will, together with all stakeholders, be able to solve this problem on a permanent basis.”

Ayinde said the panel has engaged the services of a land surveyor to “conduct verticality checks on the remaining structures within the premises of the collapsed building”.

He added that the panel has listed more than 30 stakeholders relevant to the collapsed building, who are expected to provide information on the structure.

“The tribunal would like to state that some documents have been received from some government MDAs and members have started studying them. We have also interviewed some of the LASG staff in the relevant MDAs,” he said.