The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has again reassured residents of its commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and properties following the recent building collapse in the state.
Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, in an interview with newsmen on Monday evening at the scene of the Ebute Meta building collapse gave the assurance.
Oke-Osanyintolu stated that investigations had already commenced to determine the cause of the incident, including material testing and other empirical assessments by relevant stakeholders.
“We do not want a repeat of such tragedies.
“Our priority is the safety of lives. That is why we have mobilized all relevant agencies to conduct thorough investigations.
“We appeal to Lagosians to cooperate with government regulations, as enforcement alone could not prevent disasters without community support,” he said.
The permanent secretary clarified that egarding the actual number of persons in the building, figures about casualties remain unconfirmed, emergency responders were on the ground, working carefully and steadily.
He emphasized that they were determined to rescue all trapped individuals and provide necessary medical assistance.
“So far, we have rescued six persons alive, while four persons were recovered dead.
“The most important thing as emergency managers is to ensure peace, safety and coordinated response.
“Our heavy-duty equipment are fully deployed, and we are treating this operation with utmost seriousness,” he added.
He urged the public to remain calm and allow rescue operations to continue uninterrupted.
Oke-Osanyintolu added that since Friday evening, when the building collapsed, search and rescue operations had continued around the clock until the building reached ground zero.
Oke-Osanyintolu further stressed that the government was committed to the strict enforcement of building codes and regulations.
