By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In a series of unfortunate incidents following a heavy downpour in Lagos, two separate building collapses have left several people injured and others hospitalized.
The first incident occurred in Ikosi Isheri, Kosofe area of Lagos, where a building comprising over 500 rooms collapsed. The collapse was attributed to the heavy rainfall on Saturday. While many sustained injuries, the exact number of casualties remains undisclosed as they receive treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
In another alarming incident, four two-storey buildings situated beside each other partially collapsed at number 47/49 Oduntan Street, Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State. The collapse occurred in the afternoon and was believed to be a result of the impact of the Saturday downpour, which could have weakened the structure.
Regarding the building collapse in Ketu, Ibrahim Farinloye, the South West Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), confirmed the incident. He reported that it happened at Agboye Estate in Oduntan Street and involved a building that had served as a school but had been converted into residential housing with more than 500 rooms. Two people sustained partial injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
On the collapse of the buildings on Oduntan Street, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, stated that, as of the time of his statement, there were no recorded deaths. Investigations suggested that the collapse was likely due to the age of the buildings and poor maintenance by the owner. The staircase of one of the buildings had caved in, leading to injuries. One individual fell from the topmost floor and was subsequently hospitalized, while others sustained minor injuries.
As a precautionary measure, residents of the affected building have been instructed to vacate immediately, under the supervision of a combined team consisting of LASEMA, the Rapid Response Team (RRS), Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA), and Lagos Neighborhood and Security Corps (LNSC). The building in question is set to be demolished due to its failure to pass structural integrity tests, posing a threat to the public and neighboring buildings.