CITIZENS COMPASS– Four additional bodies have been recovered from the rubbles of the collapsed building at Oba-Oniru Street, near Sand Field area of Victoria Island, Lagos.
This puts the death toll at six.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed this on Monday, being the second day of emergency operation at the scene of the incident.
He said the sixth body was recovered at about 2.33pm.
The Permanent Secretary said the operation has reached ground zero but it continues till Tuesday, September 6, 2022.
Recall that the seven-storey building collapsed at about 3am on Sunday and two bodies were recovered before Noon.
Three additional bodies were recovered earlier on Monday while the fourth was recovered at about 2.33pm which brought the death toll to six.
Osanyintolu said, “The Agency alongside other first responders has been working for over 24 hours at the above 7-storey building which collapsed yesterday.
Another four bodies have been extricated from the rubble bringing the fatalities to Six
“The painstaking process is ongoing.
Further updates to follow,”
The Coordinator, Lagos Territorial District, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye corroborated Osanyintolu saying six bodies were recovered so far.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, has resigned his appointment with the state government.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, accepted the resignation letter on Monday,
Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner for Information and Strategy disclosed this in a statement.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has accepted the resignation of the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako.
“This is a prelude to the restructuring of the Ministry and its agencies.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu thanks the Commissioner for his services to the State and wishes him success in his future endeavours.
“The Governor warns all players in the sector to respect the law or face the consequences of any indiscretion, no matter who the perpetrators are.”
In a related development, the Oniru Chieftaincy Family has commiserated with the families of the yet-to-be identified victims.
Prince Olanrewaju Ajasa (FCIB), Head, Oniru Chieftaincy Family Estate Office, in a statement described the incident as unfortunate.
“It is with utmost regret that we, at the Oniru Chieftaincy Family Estate Office, express our deepest sympathy with the families of the yet to be identified victims of the collapsed building on Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru Road, Oniru Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos. This unfortunate incident is one too many, and the attendant loss of lives and valuables is quite avoidable.
“We commend the prompt and diligent emergency rescue services provided by emergency first responders. We note in particular and appreciate the concerted efforts of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), The Nigeria Police, Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Emergency Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigerian Red Cross and on-site paramedics.”
