Collapsed Lagos Building Occupants Ignored Distress Signs – Residents
Residents of the Lagos community where a three-storey building collapsed earlier this week have revealed that occupants ignored repeated warnings and visible signs of distress before the tragedy struck.
The incident, which occurred in the Ebute Metta area of Lagos, left several people trapped under the rubble, while emergency workers and community members raced against time to rescue survivors. Eyewitnesses said the structure had shown cracks and signs of structural weakness days before it caved in, but the occupants allegedly refused to vacate despite advice from neighbours.
“We had warned them several times,” said one resident, who spoke under anonymity. “There were visible cracks on the walls, and parts of the ceiling had started falling. But the tenants kept saying they had nowhere else to go.”
Officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) confirmed that the building had been marked for demolition months ago, but enforcement was delayed due to logistical challenges and a pending inspection appeal filed by the landlord.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) stated that rescue operations were ongoing and that an investigation would be launched to determine the immediate cause of the collapse and identify those responsible for neglecting safety directives.
Preliminary reports suggest that poor maintenance, weak materials, and illegal structural modifications may have contributed to the disaster.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has since directed relevant agencies to intensify building safety inspections across the state and ensure swift enforcement against unsafe structures.
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