The Lagos State Government has launched an investigation into the collapse of a school building on Adu Street in the Aguda area of Ogba, Lagos, while warning property owners and developers to comply with regulatory procedures during construction or renovation works.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency confirmed that the four-storey structure, which housed residential occupants and a private school, collapsed on Monday.
In a Tuesday statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs of the agency, Adu Ademuyiwa, LASBCA said no fatalities were recorded as students, staff and other occupants had exited the building before the structure caved in.
“The building, which accommodated both residential occupants and a private school, collapsed on Monday, causing concern within the neighbourhood. No casualties were recorded as students, staff and other occupants had exited the building before the incident occurred,” the statement read.
The agency said officials, alongside the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and other responders, visited the site shortly after the incident to assess the situation and ensure public safety.
“As part of precautionary measures, occupants of nearby buildings were advised to vacate their premises temporarily while safety assessments are being conducted on surrounding structures to determine their condition and structural stability,” the statement added.
LASBCA noted that preliminary observations indicated that some form of building activity had been ongoing at the property before the collapse. “However, a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the collapse,” the agency stated.
The agency urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as technical assessments continue, stressing the need for property owners and developers to engage appropriate regulatory processes.
“LASBCA reiterates the importance of engaging appropriate regulatory processes and maintaining regular communication with building control authorities when carrying out construction, renovation, or structural modification works,” the statement said.
Wuzup Nigeria had reported that some students were hospitalised after sustaining injuries during the evacuation of the building, which housed Yemco Daycare Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College.
Residents claimed renovation work was ongoing on the ground floor of the building before the collapse.
Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASBCA, and other emergency responders were seen at the scene during the incident, while nearby buildings sharing the same premises were evacuated and sealed by authorities pending safety assessments.
The incident comes weeks after a similar case in January when students of Odokekere High School in Ikorodu narrowly escaped death after a classroom block collapsed.
