The Lagos State Government has launched an investigation into the collapse of a seven-story building under construction on Banana Island, Ikoyi, in response to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, and a total of 25 individuals were rescued from the site.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) used a sophisticated 3-D Laser Imagery System to scan the rubble for signs of life but found no evidence of anyone trapped.
LASEMA has divided the site into four quadrants to conduct a thorough search and rescue operation, with quadrants 2 and 3 already levelled to ground zero. The search operation is ongoing in quadrants 1 and 4, and the Lagos State Physical Planning and Urban Development Commissioner Bamgbose-Martins and Special Duties Special Adviser Mobolaji Ogunlende are coordinating the efforts.
Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the LASEMA Permanent Secretary, is leading the search-and-rescue operations. Sixteen individuals with moderate injuries were admitted to the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, and Police Hospital Falomo, while nine others with minor injuries were treated and discharged at the site by Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS).
Meanwhile, The Lagos State Government will provide emergency treatment and cover the medical bills of all patients requiring admission. Additionally, the government will offer post-trauma counselling support and care for all victims through the Lagos MiND programme (Mental Health in Development).
The Lagos State Government has directed that all developments on Banana Island be suspended until the officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) conduct a comprehensive audit. The audit aims to determine the number of buildings being constructed without approval and if all approved buildings meet the necessary construction requirements. The audit will also extend to other estates and gated communities.
