The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has said that preliminary findings indicate the use of substandard materials may have contributed to the collapse of a two-story building in Ikorodu, which has now claimed three lives.

Although the exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation, LASEMA said early reports point to structural failure likely linked to poor construction practices. The agency noted that rods below the recommended thickness were allegedly used, and the building sat on a decades-old foundation.

The Guardian also gathered that the owner of the building, said to be a member of the Osinwin family, was abroad and had been sending money home to fund the construction. Residents in the area also alleged that the contractor used 10 mm rods in place of the standard 16 mm and that low-quality blocks and insufficient cement were also used in the structure.

The incident, which occurred around 2:02 p.m. on Tuesday, prompted an immediate response from emergency teams after distress calls were received. LASEMA activated its emergency plan and dispatched personnel from its Agbowa and Alausa centers to the site. Eleven people were rescued alive, while three others, including two siblings aged 18 and 12, were confirmed dead.

Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, who led the rescue efforts, described the operation as swift and effective. He said the agency?s rapid deployment was made possible through strategic investment in disaster response under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

?We were informed that a two-story building collapsed, and immediately activated our emergency response. All key stakeholders moved to the scene. We were able to rescue 11 people alive. However, we sympathize with the families who lost loved ones, as we recovered three bodies,? he said.

Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu emphasized the importance of compliance with safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies. ?Disaster management is everyone?s business. Our people must ensure that all safety guidelines are followed. Most of the time, these incidents occur because people do not comply with regulations,? he added.

On-site, officials from the LASEMA Pre-Hospital Care Unit, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) worked in collaboration to manage the situation.

Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Ikorodu Local Government, Adeshina Lateef, thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu and LASEMA for their timely response and pledged that the council would continue to monitor building developments in the area. He also assured residents that the local government would work closely with the state to identify and act on unsafe structures.

While rescue operations have now concluded, LASEMA has pledged to continue its investigation into the cause of the collapse and is urging residents and developers to prioritize safety in all construction activities. (The Guardian)

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