Lagos Inaugurates Panel to Probe Collapsed Buildings

Segun Aina/

The Lagos State government has inaugurated a five-man panel it set up to investigate the immediate and remote causes of incidences of collapsed building.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rotimi Ogunleye, inaugurated the panel today.

He explained that the terms of reference of the panel included proffering remedial measures to stem further building collapse in the future, as well as determining the level of negligence on the part of the developer or owner and the role of the state government.

The panel was set up in aftermath of the March 13, collapse of a three-storey building, trapping more than 100 persons, including pupils.

The ill-fated building was located on the crowded Ita-Faaji street within the heart of Lagos Island.

Thousands of residents and many emergency workers descended on the scene and rescued many upon arrival, but some remained trapped and witnesses gave early death toll figures at eight to nine.

The state government later confirmed that a total of 20 people were killed.

Two other buildings marked for demolition have since that time collapsed in the same area but no casualty was recorded.