The Lagos State Government has begun a thorough probe into the collapse of a four-storey structure that accommodated a private school and residential tenants on Adu Street in the Aguda area of Ogba, Lagos, on Monday.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency confirmed the development in a statement released on Tuesday by its Director of Public Affairs, Adu Ademuyiwa, stating that no deaths were recorded because students, staff, and other occupants had left the building before it gave way.
“The building, which accommodated both residential occupants and a private school, collapsed on Monday, causing concern within the neighbourhood. No casualties were recorded as students, staff and other occupants had exited the building before the incident occurred,” the statement read.
The structure housed Yemco Daycare Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College. However, a number of pupils were reportedly taken to hospital after sustaining injuries while the evacuation process was ongoing.
Residents explained that the building collapsed around 11am, shortly after a crack appeared on one of its walls and was noticed by a nearby fashion designer, who quickly alerted the school management and neighbours. Teachers immediately moved pupils out of the premises, and the structure collapsed minutes after everyone had left.
LASBCA said officials of the agency, together with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and other emergency responders, arrived at the location soon after the incident to evaluate the situation and guarantee public safety. Buildings within the same premises were evacuated and sealed pending structural integrity checks.
“As part of precautionary measures, occupants of nearby buildings were advised to vacate their premises temporarily while safety assessments are being conducted on surrounding structures to determine their condition and structural stability,” the agency stated.
Initial findings by LASBCA suggested that certain construction activities had been taking place at the property before the collapse, a claim supported by residents who said renovation work was ongoing on the ground floor. The agency noted that a detailed investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
LASBCA also used the development to caution property owners and developers about the need to adhere strictly to regulatory requirements during construction or renovation activities.
