President Muhammadu Buhari has said the rate at which buildings collapse in the country is assuming an alarming degree.
Buhari, while commiserating with families of those who died and sustained injuries, in the building collapse at Ebute Metta area of Lagos State, said it is high time the relevant state authorities worked closely with professional bodies to put a halt to these unfortunate but preventable incidents.
His reactions came through a statement circulated by his media aide, Femi Adesina on Monday.
At the time of filing this report, search and rescue were still ongoing at the site.
The President, who said he is pained by this tragic incident, praised the courage and determination of the first responders, national and sub-national emergency agencies in Lagos State, and compassionate Nigerians, whose immediate action in the aftermath of the collapse of the three-storey building led to the rescue of several persons, including many children.
“The frequency of building collapses in the country has become increasingly embarrassing, the relevant state authorities must work closely with professional bodies to put a halt to these unfortunate but preventable incidents,” the President stated in a terse message.
He wished those injured a speedy recovery and prayed for divine assistance in the ongoing search and rescue operations.
Recall that in Lagos also, a high rise apartment building under construction at Victoria Island had also collapsed killing several people in the process, including the owner of the building, Femi Osibona.
