The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) on Saturday evacuated residents from a distressed residential building located at Akinyele Bus Stop, Abesan Estate.
The agency also began the demolition of the structure after structural experts confirmed that it was unsafe for habitation.
The action followed a distress call from a concerned resident who contacted LASBCA through its toll-free line after observing signs of structural failure and raising concerns over a possible collapse that could threaten occupants and nearby residents.
Speaking during the operation, LASBCA General Manager Gbaye Florence said the agency responded promptly to remove the danger and protect residents.
She said a team of structural engineers and enforcement officers was immediately sent to assess the building, where they identified major structural defects that posed an immediate risk to lives and property.
Following the inspection, the agency directed the immediate evacuation of occupants before carrying out a controlled demolition of the structure to prevent a possible collapse.
“The agency remains committed to ensuring that unsafe buildings do not constitute a threat to residents across Lagos State. Once we received the report, our officials moved to the site to assess the situation, and the inspection confirmed that the building had suffered critical structural defects that made it unsafe for habitation.
“Following that assessment, all occupants were immediately evacuated from the building to prevent any loss of life, while the controlled demolition of the distressed structure commenced in line with our statutory responsibility to safeguard lives and property,” she said.
Florence commended the resident whose timely report enabled the agency to intervene before the situation deteriorated.
“I want to commend the concerned citizen who promptly alerted the agency through our toll-free line. That timely report enabled us to intervene before the situation deteriorated further and helped prevent what could have resulted in a tragic incident,”
“We encourage members of the public to always report distressed, abandoned or visibly defective buildings to LASBCA. Public cooperation is vital in our efforts to prevent building collapse and protect lives and property.
“The agency will continue to monitor buildings across the state, enforce compliance with building safety regulations and respond promptly to distress reports in the interest of public safety,” Florence added.