The Lagos State government, on Thursday, said the partially-collapsed building at Oloto Str., Borno Way, Ebutte Metta, had been captured as distressed and marked for demolition before its eventual collapse.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, made this known while inspecting the old two-floor structure that partially collapsed in the early hours of Thursday.

A statement by Mukaila Sanusi, the ministry’s spokesman, said the commissioner sympathised with those affected by the collapse.

Mr Olumide said the building was part of those recently detected and captured as distressed by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) during its routine monitoring earlier in the month.

He said the agency had served statutory notices, including a quit notice and seal order, and initiated the process to effect the removal of the building.

The commissioner said it was disheartening that occupants of the building had refused to heed the notice issued by LASBCA to avert danger.

While directing LASBCA to demolish the building immediately, he urged residents of the state to always heed government notices and vacate any distressed building to protect lives and property. 

(NAN)