Rivers News Archives - LMSINT MEDIA

A fresh wave of concern has spread across Nigeria’s construction sector following two separate building collapse incidents in Lagos and Rivers states that left several people dead, injured, and families devastated. The incidents, which happened within a 24-hour period, have renewed calls from building professionals and safety advocates for stronger enforcement of construction standards, better supervision, and an end to practices that compromise public safety. Lagos Building Collapse Leaves Nine Dead, Dozens Rescued The first tragedy occurred on Thursday, June 26, when a two-storey building located around Alakija Bus Stop along Old Ojo Road, Satellite Town, in Oriade Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, suddenly gave way. The collapse turned an ordinary day into a disaster scene as residents, emergency workers, and sympathisers rushed to help those trapped beneath the debris. According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), rescue teams recovered nine bodies from the collapsed structure while 27 people were rescued alive. The agency confirmed that some victims were already dead before emergency responders arrived, while additional casualties were discovered during rescue operations. Emergency workers from LASEMA, alongside other agencies and community members, worked through the rubble as heavy equipment was deployed to reach trapped victims. Those rescued were provided with emergency medical attention before being transferred to hospitals for further treatment. Rivers Suffers Similar Disaster Hours Later Barely a day after the Lagos incident, another building collapse occurred in Rivers State. A four-storey building under construction along Peter Odili Road collapsed, trapping some workers inside the structure. Emergency agencies and security personnel responded to the scene, where three workers were rescued and taken for medical treatment. The back-to-back incidents have intensified public concern over the increasing frequency of structural failures across different parts of Nigeria. Why Building Collapses Keep Happening in Nigeria Experts say building collapses are rarely caused by a single factor. Instead, they are often linked to a combination of poor construction practices, weak supervision, unsuitable materials, and failure to follow approved building designs. A structural engineer and property developer, Kunle Adegbenro, explained that proper construction requires several professionals working together, including architects, surveyors, soil testing experts, and structural engineers. According to him, problems often begin when property owners avoid professional processes and attempt to reduce costs by using unqualified workers or cheaper materials. He noted that every building project should begin with proper site assessment, soil investigation, approved designs, and professional supervision. Failure at any of these stages, he warned, can create hidden structural weaknesses that may eventually threaten lives. Government Agencies Under Pressure While property owners and contractors have been blamed for ignoring professional standards, experts also pointed to failures within regulatory agencies. They argued that building approval authorities must improve monitoring and ensure that construction activities match approved plans. One of the major concerns raised by professionals is that some buildings continue to rise despite violations of safety requirements. They stressed that inspection teams should include qualified experts capable of identifying structural risks before they become disasters. Lagos Government Begins Safety Checks Following the Alakija collapse, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to begin structural assessments of nearby buildings. Authorities are expected to inspect surrounding structures and ensure that buildings within the area comply with safety regulations. The move comes as Lagos continues efforts to address building safety challenges in a state experiencing rapid urban growth and increasing demand for housing. A Growing National Concern Building collapse has become one of Nigeria’s recurring urban safety challenges. From residential properties to commercial structures and construction sites, failed buildings have repeatedly resulted in deaths, injuries, and financial losses. Experts say solving the problem requires more than investigations after disasters happen. They argue that prevention must become the priority through: What Nigerians Should Know For anyone planning to build, professionals advise against cutting corners. A properly designed and supervised building may cost more initially, but experts say it reduces the risk of future disasters. They also urged owners of older structures to carry out safety assessments, especially where buildings show signs of weakness or have exceeded their expected lifespan. As investigations into the Lagos and Rivers incidents continue, many Nigerians are asking whether lessons will finally be learned or whether the country will continue responding only after tragedies occur.