LASEMA debunks report of another Lagos building collapse

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that another building collapsed in the Alakija area of the state.

The LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, describing such reports as false and misleading.

Oke-Osanyintolu noted that upon seeing the reports, officials were deployed to the reported location of the alleged incident.

He, however, said no evidence of another building collapse was found after a thorough assessment of the area.

“Following the receipt of the information, the Agency immediately deployed personnel to assess the reported location.

“After a thorough sweep of the area, no evidence of a second building collapse was found,” the statement read.

The LASEMA boss urged residents to verify information before sharing it, warning that false emergency reports could hamper rescue operations.

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“The circulation of false emergency reports diverts critical resources, dissipates operational efforts and may delay response to genuine emergencies where lives are at risk,” he stated.

Oke-Osanyintolu appreciated the residents for remaining vigilant and encouraged members of the public to continue reporting emergencies through the appropriate channels, allowing first responders to verify incidents before such information was widely circulated.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through prompt and coordinated emergency response.

“Under the leadership of Mr Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, LASEMA and all emergency response agencies remain fully committed to protecting lives and property through prompt, coordinated and professional emergency response,” the statement added.

The clarification comes amid a recent two-storey building collapse in the community that left nine people dead and 27 others injured.

PUNCH Online had reported that the earlier building collapse at Alakija Bus Stop, Satellite Town, in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, triggered a massive multi-agency rescue operation that lasted for two days before emergency responders recovered all victims trapped beneath the rubble.