At least twenty-four people are now reported dead after a five-story building collapsed in Lagos, including six bodies recovered today, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Thirteen people were found alive and rushed to the general hospital on Lagos Island, reported NEMA spokesperson Ibrahim Farinloye.
The collapse of the unfinished building occurred on Tuesday in the Lekki district of Lagos.
According to the Lagos State government, the Lekki building exceeded the number of floors approved by the authorities. Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Steve Ayorinde said the government has issued a summons to the building company, Lekki Worldwide Estate Limited. Directors of the company were advised to report themselves to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police within the next twenty-four hours or be arrested.
A statement issued by Mr. Ayorinde said, “Based on preliminary reports and investigation, it was discovered that the collapsed building was served a contravention notice for exceeding the approved floors and thereafter sealed by the Lagos State Building Control Agency.”
Mr. Ayorinde emphasized that the Lagos State government will no longer tolerate builders that disregard supervisory laws and threaten public safety. He also stated that the government will now investigate the integrity of other Lekki Worldwide Estate Limited buildings to ensure that they are in compliance with local building laws and regulations.