The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has advised residents living near a three-storey building that collapsed in the Aguda area of Ogba, Lagos, to relocate while authorities temporarily conduct safety assessments of surrounding structures.
The agency made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Public Affairs, Adu Ademuyiwa.
Mr Ademuyiwa said the precautionary measure was necessary to determine the structural stability of nearby buildings following the collapse on Adu Street in the Ogba area of Lagos State.
The building, which housed Yemco Daycare Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College, collapsed on Monday morning.
According to reports, the structure caved in around 11 a.m. while students were engaged in school activities.
Residents in the neighbourhood reportedly raised an alarm after noticing a crack in the building’s wall shortly before the collapse.
Several pupils were later evacuated from the building, with some sustaining injuries and taken to the hospital for treatment.
However, Mr Ademuyiwa said no fatalities were recorded because occupants had left the building before the structure finally gave way.
“The building, which accommodated both residential occupants and a private school, collapsed on Monday, causing concern within the neighbourhood,” Mr Ademuyiwa said.
“No casualties were recorded as students, staff, and other occupants had exited the building before the incident occurred.”
Residents asked to vacate nearby buildings
The agency said residents in neighbouring buildings have been advised to vacate the area to allow temporary structural assessments.
“As part of precautionary measures, occupants of nearby buildings were advised to vacate their premises temporarily while safety assessments are being conducted on surrounding structures to determine their condition and structural stability,” Mr Ademuyiwa said.
Authorities have begun an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse.
Mr Ademuyiwa said that early observations indicated that construction activity might have been underway at the property before the incident.
“Preliminary observations indicate that some form of building activity had been ongoing at the property before the incident. However, a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the collapse,” Mr Ademuyiwa said.
The agency urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with officials conducting safety checks in the area.
LASBCA also advised property owners and developers to comply with building regulations and obtain the necessary approvals before carrying out construction or renovation work.
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