One dead, two injured as building collapses in Lagos

A yet-to-be-identified man has been confirmed dead, while two others sustained injuries, following the collapse of a building in Ikorodu area of Lagos.

The incident occurred on Monday night at Jumofak bus-stop in Haruna area, Ikorodu, Lagos state.

The building has been cordoned off by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), while rescue efforts are ongoing.

It is not yet clear if there are still persons trapped in the rubble.

According to LASEMA, investigation by the agency “revealed that some part of a two-storey dilapidated building collapsed from the back due to inadequate maintenance”.

“Risk assessment in collaboration with relevant stakeholders at the scene was conducted and residents were subsequently sensitised on the need to evacuate from the affected building,” the agency added.

The development comes days after the Lagos government announced the launch of a rebranded certificate of fitness for buildings in the state.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, in a statement issued on October 6 by Gboyega Akosile, his spokesperson, said the decision was taken as part of efforts to ensure safety of residents.

“The launch of the Certificate of Completion and Fitness for Habitation is one of the moves to further strengthen our resolve to control building collapse incidents. This is a game-changer in building control strategies as it portrays us as a government that thinks ahead and that is concerned about the safety of lives and properties of the citizens,” the governor said.

“Acceptance of this Certificate of Fitness can only gain a prime place if would-be tenant or property buyer always request for the certificate from the landlord or owner of the building before payment of their rents or conclusion of property transaction to ensure the building is indeed safe.”