Officer, BCPG, Ojodu Cell, Femi Ishola, the guild stated that the collapse of a three-storey building, with three suspended floors proceeding to the fourth storey, under construction at No 10, Oremeta Street, Ojodu, Lagos, on April 19, 2025, was a stab at the collective conscience of members of the Building Collapse Prevention Guild in Ojodu.
It stated, “The pain and regret within became severe as the number of casualties being unearthed in the rubble increased daily. Eventually, a total of seven dead bodies were recovered, while 13 persons sustained injuries, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency.
“The fact that this particular collapse with its accompanying loss of innocent lives was preventable made the wound inflicted on our conscience difficult to heal. How did the notorious and daring building collapse sandwich itself between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, thereby committing an unpardonable sin? It was really pathetic.
“Sadly, the cause of this collapse was the non-implementation of the recommendations made following a similar collapse in that locality about 12 years ago. On Tuesday, May 7, 2013, a four-storey building under construction at No. 15, Bashiru Street, Ojodu, Lagos, collapsed, killing one person.
“According to information, the building, which was initially a bungalow, was acquired by the Four Square Gospel Church. The following day, Wednesday, May 8, 2013, standing by the site of the collapsed building, the then Commissioner of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Toyin Ayinde, held a meeting with members of the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, Ojodu Cell over the investigation of the collapsed building.”
Unveiling the cause, the guild explained that the building was already in use for church services while additional storeys were being gradually constructed, noting that the collapse occurred as construction work resumed on the fourth sto
The statement continued, “Firstly, the danger of occupying a building that was under construction was identified. This defied the certification for fitness for habitation, which has been a prerequisite for occupation of the building. Secondly, the danger inherent in the increase of floors/height of a building over a long period was amplified.
“The structural integrity of an uncompleted building that has been exposed to the weather for a long period needed to be ascertained before additional loads could be imposed. Ferroconcrete absorbs water to the detriment of the intrinsic tensile strength possessed by the steel reinforcement bars. Emphasis was laid on the revalidation of the construction permit of a building that was taking a long period to complete.
“Among other valid recommendations that were made by BCPG Ojodu Cell was the need to conduct structural integrity tests on the three-storey building adjoining the compound of the collapsed building. The engagement of competent professionals in the process of building development was included. “
In its prayers, the guild noted that the Lagos State House of Assembly should ensure that the collapsed building at No 10, Oremeta Street, Ojodu, was thoroughly investigated.
“As a form of oversight function, the Assembly should set up a committee to find out the current state of the collapsed building sites in Ojodu and in Lagos State in general. BCPG will, of course, provide the Assembly a comprehensive list of collapsed building locations in Lagos State if requested.
“Integrity is the hallmark of building collapse prevention. Safety of lives and property should not continue to be compromised.”
