By Christopher Oji
Unspecified number of people are trapped in a seven-story building which collapsed on First Avenue, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Those trapped are workers, food vendors, suppliers of building materials and visitors at the building under construction.
It was gathered that the building was under construction and that the local government had, one time, marked the building as unfit, but the government officials later changed their minds and allowed the work to continue.
A witness, Mathew, said: “I know that about 10 workers are under the rubbles, but I don’t know how many visitors that are there because, food vendors, materials suppliers, and other visitors are always coming to the site. I know a man, who they call engineer, was there when the building caved in. We called the police and some emergency numbers when we saw what happened. They are still trying to rescue the victims.”
Spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Southwest Zone, Mr. Ibrahim Falinloye, confirmed that there was a building that collapsed.
“It is on First Avenue, Banana Island, Ikoyi. NEMA and other emergency responders are busy with rescue operation, but I don’t know, yet, how many people that are trapped, for now.”
Meanwhile , the Lagos State Government said the building was unapproved 7-floor building under construction, adding that no life was lost.
In a statement by Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Mukaila Sanusi, he said few who sustained injuries were being treated,” There is no fatality. This unfortunate incident happened while casting was being done.
“The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engr. Tayo Bamgbose-Martins was immediately on site to assess the situation and flag- off investigation.
“We ask members of the public to remain calm and expect further information from the ministry as we know more”.