Residents of various buildings in Lagos faced a perilous situation as balconies and doors exhibited concerning signs of deterioration. The occupants refrained from lighting up for fear of a catastrophic collapse. Furthermore, on Layi Oyekanmi Street, Ilasa, Mushin, two separate three-storey structures underwent partial demolition.
Numerous other distressed edifices were sealed off and marked for eviction and ultimate demolition. In response to this operation, Mr. Olaopa Olusoji, the Director of Enforcement at the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), explained that the team executed their duties following the issuance of statutory notices.
Olusoji clarified that the partial demolitions aimed to compel immediate evacuation, ensuring the complete removal of severely distressed structures, thus averting potential disasters. He emphasised the unpredictable nature of building collapses, highlighting the substantial risks faced by individuals residing in such unsafe conditions.
“We are not willing to take chances,” he remarked. “Our priority is to preserve lives rather than engage in prolonged debates. Sufficient notice has been given to these occupants through official notifications,” he added.
