Lagos Halts All Construction in Banana Island Following Collapse of Seven-Storey Building

The Lagos State Government has launched a probe into the collapse of a seven-storey building under construction in Banana Island, Ikoyi, following a directive by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

It has also directed that all developments on Banana Island be placed on hold, subject to a comprehensive audit by the officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).

According to a statement signed by the commissioner of information and strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, nobody died in the incident. It was however revealed that twenty-five people were rescued from the site after the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) scanned with a high-precision 3-D Laser Imagery System for life, and found no evidence of anyone trapped in the rubble.

A roll call was also done by the site supervisors, with everyone accounted for.

Mr. Omotoso further said LASEMA has continued with the excavation of the site, using the architectural designs.

He also stated that Physical Planning and Urban Development Commissioner, Bamgbose-Martins and Special Duties Special Adviser, Mobolaji Ogunlende are in charge of the operations, while the LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu is leading the search-and-rescue efforts.

After his visit to the hospitals where victims of the incident were admitted, the Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi, stated that of the twenty-five persons rescued by LASEMA, sixteen with moderate injuries were admitted at General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island and Police Hospital Falomo for treatment and care. 

 Nine others with minor injuries, such as bruises, were treated and discharged at the site by Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS).

He also noted that of the sixteen persons on admission, eight persons have been discharged. 

Also in the statement, it was emphasized that in the course of the incident and treatment, the state government, as a matter of policy, will be responsible for the emergency treatment and care, including the medical bills of the patients on admission, it will also provide a post-trauma counselling support and care for all victims through the Lagos MiND programme (Mental Health in Development) which is a free mental health counselling and support service provided by the Ministry of Health.

According to eyewitnesses, one of the concrete mixer trucks rammed into some load-bearing columns of the building, causing a loud bang and leading to the collapse.

It was also noted that the building was sealed by the Lagos State Government for not having the approval to commence construction, but the developers continued to build, hiding under the security of their estate and gated community.

As a result of this incident, Mr. Omotoso stated that Governor Sanwo-Olu has directed that all developments on Banana Island be placed on hold, subject to a comprehensive audit by the officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). 

This, he said is to determine how many buildings are being constructed without approval from the Lagos State Government and to ensure that all approved buildings are being built in line with the approval limits provided.

 He further added that this exercise will be extended to other estates and gated communities in the State. 

Chioma Kalu

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