Additional reports, video and photos by Channels TV
Tragedy struck on Wednesday in Lagos when a three-storey building collapsed in the Itafaji area of Lagos Island. Scores have been rescued while nine are reportedly dead in estimates some suggest are conservative because children are involved
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari is extremely saddened by the collapse of a building housing a school in Itafaaji area of Lagos, which left fatalities, particularly of small children.
The President, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, sympathizes with the parents and relations of the deceased, wishing them God’s comfort. He also wishes the injured speedy and complete recovery.
He commiserates with the government and good people of Lagos State, and pledges assistance of the Federal Government as may be required by the state.
“It touches one to lose precious lives in any kind of mishap, particularly those so young and tender. May God grant everyone affected by this sad incident fortitude and succour,” the President said.
He charges the Lagos State government to do all that is needful, so that such tragic developments do not recur in future.
Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and former Vice President of Nigeria Atiku Abubakar, in a statement titled, “Heartbreaking to bid your child farewell to school and not able to welcome them home”, is also saddened by the tragic loss of lives following the collapse of a building housing a school in Lagos Island.
As a parent, Atiku Abubakar, feels the pains and loss of having to bid your children farewell in the morning and not being able to welcome them into your warm embrace again, a statement by his spokesman, Mazi Paul Ibe said.
It adds: “Atiku Abubakar on behalf of his family expresses his deepest condolences to the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy. He prays for comfort and strength for the affected families as they mourn the loss of their priceless jewels.
“Atiku Abubakar says that no resources should be spared in rescuing those children who may still be trapped and in treating the injured.
“The PDP Presidential candidate calls for investigation into what may have led to the collapse of the building and that appropriate sanctions meted out to stem the incessant collapse of buildings in the country.
“Atiku Abubakar also calls on the relevant agencies to undertake stress tests of buildings to ensure that the structures are not compromised.
“And more importantly, the former Vice President notes that preemptive actions need to be taken by regulatory agencies of government in ensuring that buildings that do not meet building standards are not allowed to be built with its attendant risks to lives and property.”
A primary school is said to be located on the second floor of the building with pupils feared killed and others trapped.
Channels Television observed that about 50 children were rescued and have been taken to the Lagos General Hospital, Marina.
Many of the occupants of the building said to be a residential facility with several apartments are feared to be trapped under the rubble.
Emergency and rescue workers are currently at the scene of the incident.
