President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with families of those who died, sustained injuries, in the building collapse at Ebute Metta area of Lagos State.
He said it was high time the relevant state authorities work closely with professional bodies to put a halt to these unfortunate but preventable incidents.
The President, who said he is pained by this tragic incident, praised the courage and determination of the first responders, national and sub-national emergency agencies in Lagos State, and compassionate Nigerians, whose immediate action in the aftermath of the collapse of the three-storey building led to the rescue of several persons, including many children.
“The frequency of building collapses in the country has become increasingly embarrassing, the relevant state authorities must work closely with professional bodies to put a halt to these unfortunate but preventable incidents,”the President stated in a terse message signed by his media aide,Femi Adesina.
He wished those injured a speedy recovery and prays for divine assistance in the ongoing search and rescue operations.
No fewer than six dead bodies were said to have been evacuated so far from the rubbles of a three-storey building which collapsed in the Ebutte Meta area of Lagos Sunday night.
The building located on 24 Ibadan street, Harbert Macauly Way, Oyingbo reportedly caved in around 9:30pm on Sunday.
Over 23 persons were said to have been rescued from the rubble and treated.
Besides,men of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, National Emergency Management Agency, among others are at the scene.
The Lagos Teritorial Office, NEMA, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, confirmed that six bodies had been recovered so far as the search and rescue operation continued.
He said: “Altogether as at now, about 23 people have been rescued alive; 7 children and 16 adults. Nine of those rescued alive have been treated and discharged.
He disclosed that another three-storey building, located on 100 Lagos Street, about 200 metres away from the current scene has shown signs of distress with part throwing pebbles and falling off.
He added that the building had also been marked as distressed but the occupants were deviant.