The Lagos State Government has said it would soon release the report of investigation into the collapse of a 21-storey building in Ikoyi, an affluent neighbourhood in the state.
The building on Gerrard Road, Ikoyi was under construction when it caved in, trapping scores of persons in its rubbles, The New Diplomat had earlier reported.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, he said efforts were on by various agencies of government including Lagos Rescue Unit (LRU), Lagos State Fire Service and Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), among others, to save the lives of those under the rubble. Three persons have been rescued, even as the operations to save more lives continue.
Also, dead bodies have been evacuated from the ruins, but the death toll cannot be confirmed as of the time of this reporting amid conflicting claims.
According to him, “The Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has visited the site in the company of other officials, including the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako; Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Bamgbose- Martins; Special Adviser on Urban Development, Mr. Ganiyu Adele Ayuba; Special Adviser, GIS and Physical Planning, Dr. Olajide Babatunde; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mrs. Abiola Kosegbe as well as General Manager, LASEMA Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu.
“The Deputy Governor directed security agents to cordon off the site to facilitate rescue efforts.
“The General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Arch. Gbolahan Oki, was also at the scene assessing the site for any likely damage to the surrounding structures.
“A report of the investigations will be made public in due course,”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had ordered probe into the incident, just as the state government called for calm following conflicting reports on the unfortunate development.
