LAGOS/Nigeria: The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property following the building collapse that occurred in Ebutte Meta.
Permanent Secretary of the agency, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, gave the assurance on Monday evening while briefing journalists at the scene of the incident.
Oke-Osanyintolu said investigations had commenced to determine the cause of the collapse, including material testing and other technical assessments by relevant stakeholders.
“We do not want a repeat of such tragedies. Our priority is the safety of lives. That is why we have mobilized all relevant agencies to carry out thorough investigations,” he said. “We appeal to Lagosians to cooperate with government regulations, as enforcement alone cannot prevent disasters without community support.”
Clarifying figures about casualties, he confirmed that six persons had so far been rescued alive, while four bodies were recovered from the rubble. Emergency responders, he said, were on ground working carefully to rescue those still trapped and provide medical support.
“The most important thing as emergency managers is to ensure peace, safety, and coordinated response. Our heavy-duty equipment is fully deployed, and we are treating this operation with utmost seriousness,” Oke-Osanyintolu added.
He stressed that the state government remains committed to strict enforcement of building codes and regulations but urged residents to complement these efforts by adhering to approved standards and reporting defective structures.
According to him, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is “doing everything humanly possible” to protect the lives and property of Lagos residents. He called on the public to remain calm and allow search and rescue operations to proceed without disruption.
Oke-Osanyintolu further disclosed that since the collapse on Friday evening, rescue operations had continued round the clock and would not stop until the building was completely cleared.
