Lagos State Government Sets Up Panel To Probe Collapse Building

The Lagos State Government, Southwest Nigeria has said it is setting up an independent panel to probe the collapse of a 21-storey building on Gerrard Road, Ikoyi.

Members of the panel will be drawn from the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) and other professional bodies.

Gbenga Omotoso, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy said the panel will independently investigate the remote and immediate causes of the incident.

He also said the panel will give recommendations on how to prevent future occurrences.

The Commissioner clarified that the investigation is not part of the internal probe already being conducted by the government.

HumAngle reported how the 21-storey building collapsed at Gerrard road, in the Ikoyi part of Lagos metropolis. The building collapsed around 3 p.m WAT on Monday, Nov. 1.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of the state also ordered an immediate indefinite suspension of the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Gbolahan Oki.

“The government will surely find out what went wrong and punish those indicted,” the statement read.

More equipment and personnel have been deployed in the site to save more lives.

Survivals

Nine men have been rescued from the rubble alive and are receiving treatment at the Lagos Island General Hospital, while 14 others were brought out dead – as of 2 p.m WAT, Tuesday Nov. 2.

Sanwo-Olu also commended the efforts of the first responders and those who joined the rescue efforts, including construction giants Julius Berger, Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

According to the Commissioner said a help desk has been set up at the site for people seeking information about their relatives who may have been involved in the incident.

The government also disclosed that it would embark on further foundation and borehole acidic level tests to ascertain the impact on the collapsed building.

These tests, particularly the borehole acidic level, is important for the entire Gerrard Road and adjoining areas.

“We wish to state that there will be no cover-up in the search for the truth in this incident. If anybody is found to have been indicted, he or she will face the law.”

“It is important to restate that all developers and property owners are required to adhere strictly to all Building Codes and Planning Regulations to ensure the safety of lives and property. Those who ignore such regulations, breaking seals and defying enforcement, will surely be prosecuted,” the statement reads.