By Hauwa Ali
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq has expressed sympathy over the building collapse in Lagos, while offering condolences to the Lagos State government and the families of victims.
The minister made the expression on Monday in a statement by her special assistant on media, Nneka Ikem Anibeze.
In her statement, the minister decried the increase in avoidable disasters while calling on concerned authorities to work towards risk and disaster reduction.
“This is a sad Eid-ul-fitri celebration with the collapse of a three-storey building in lagos. I commensurate with the government and the people of Lagos state over this tragedy.
“My prayer go to the family of those who have lost their lives in the collapsed building and rescued victims who were injured in the incident.
“As soon as the news of the building collapse on Ibadan street, Ebute Meta Lagos broke, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was activated to respond along with other relevant disaster risk first responders. Unfortunately, many people were trapped in the building and many lives were lost.
“It is also important that those in charge of ensuring the construction of standard buildings in the country ensure that the highest standards are met to avoid these tragedies.” She said.
Investigations show that the building which collapsed on Sunday night, had previously been marked for demolition after showing signs of distress, but the tenants remained inside.
Search operations is still going on to rescue other victims.
The Police, NEMA and Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service in a joint operation has so far rescued 23 survivors while 8 people are said to have lost their lives in the collapsed incident.
