The Lagos State Government on Thursday commenced the demolition of what it termed “illegal structures and defective buildings” at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo Local Government Area, a move that has stirred tension among traders and property owners.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Jubril Gawat, confirmed the demolition in a brief statement posted on his official social media handle.
“FLASH: Lagos State Government begins removal of illegal development, structures without statutory approvals and defective structures and structures built on road setback and drainages in the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo Local Government area,” Gawat wrote.
He further disclosed that the operation was jointly carried out by multiple state agencies, including the Office of the Lagos State Urban Development, Ministry of Physical Planning, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Office of Infrastructure, as well as members of the Lagos House of Assembly and armed security operatives.
Many netizens have also called on the government to fish out the officials who initially permitted the construction of the buildings and ensure they are all punished as prescribed.
For instance, an X user, King of Sley, said: “Start by punishing those that give approvals for these buildings. Una dey give just paracetamol to person with malaria. Solves nothing. Tomorrow those who claim to ve the plan & know the exact water ways will still give approvals and u blame the developers that r actual victims.”
Another user also wrote: “Taking this down without arresting the person who approved this structure is merely witch-hunting targeting specific individuals from a particular region. Where were the authority and all these agencies on ground today when the building was at the foundation level.”
Meanwhile, the state government earlier announced the collapse of a two-storey building at Mangoro bus stop in Alimosho Local Government Area on Wednesday evening.
At least six people reportedly sustained injuries in the incident.
Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, said one of the victims was pulled out alive but suffered a fracture and multiple bruises. He identified the injured man as a 44-year-old resident of 10 Olabode Street, Alimosho, who was immediately rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Surgical Emergency Unit for treatment.
“He arrived in stable condition and has since been admitted for further treatment,” Omotoso said in a statement.
Five other rescued victims were taken to a private hospital in the neighbourhood for medical care.
