The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has begun an investigation into the collapse of a three-storey shopping complex at Alakija, Satellite Town in the Oriade Local Council Development Area.

The General Manager of LASBCA, Florence Gbaye, made this known in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs Unit of LASBCA, Ademuyiwa Adu, on Friday.

She disclosed that a secondary structural analysis and detailed investigation would also be conducted to determine the cause of the collapse.

Ms Gbaye urged Lagos residents and community leaders to promptly report distressed, abandoned or suspicious buildings to the agency for immediate intervention.

“Building safety is everyone’s responsibility. We encourage residents to immediately notify LASBCA of any building showing signs of distress or any incident in their environment so that necessary action can be taken before lives and property are endangered,” she said.

Ms Gbaye reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting safe building practices, enforcing building regulations and safeguarding lives and property across Lagos State.

She sympathised with individuals, families and business owners affected by the incident.

Ms Gbaye urged members of the public to report building-related incidents through the agency’s toll-free line: 07000-527222, for prompt response and assistance.

Meanwhile, on Friday, some occupants of the collapsed building said they were unaware that it had been marked for demolition by the state government.

However, a government official who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the building had been marked for demolition, but the occupants failed to vacate the premises.

He said that evacuation continued into the early hours of Friday, with nine bodies recovered and 27 persons rescued.

Emergency responders were still at the site as of Friday.

 (NAN)