- Lagos Orders Demolition of Church Building After Near-Fatal Collapse
- LASBCA issued the final notice on Tuesday
- Eyewitnesses recounted how workers on the construction site narrowly avoided death
Authorities in Lagos have ordered the demolition of a Redeemed Christian Church of God parish in Somolu following a near-tragic incident on Monday.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) issued the final notice on Tuesday after a neighboring building under construction collapsed, damaging the worship center and narrowly sparing the lives of worshippers inside.
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Citing structural compromise to the church caused by the fallen building, LASBCA has determined that demolition is necessary to ensure public safety.
“This building has been declared distressed and must be removed within seven days,” a notice pasted on the church wall read.
Residents say construction on the now-collapsed structure had progressed unusually fast, raising safety concerns before the incident. “They started building immediately after demolition, and within days, it was rising fast,” said Daniel Ojo, the church’s pastor. “Now our members have nowhere to worship.”
Ojo expressed frustration over the situation, noting that relocating services would be difficult due to the area’s industrial nature and the strong community ties within the congregation. “We risk losing members if we move far. This church is like family,” he added.
Eyewitnesses recounted how workers on the construction site narrowly avoided death. “They were on the top floor when it began to fall. They jumped and ran. It’s a miracle no one died,” a trader nearby told reporters.
LASBCA officials conducted a structural assessment and subsequently issued a demolition order for the damaged church building.
Adeniyi Adekomi who spoke on behalf of LASBCA emphasized that the agency’s primary concern is public safety. According to Adeniyi, the demolition order was deemed necessary to mitigate any potential hazards posed by the compromised structure.
As urban safety experts continue to raise concerns over rapid and unregulated construction in densely populated areas, the Lagos government is under pressure to address the issue and implement stricter oversight measures.
However in the meantime, the church community awaits further updates regarding the fate of their place of worship and any potential actions to be taken against those responsible for the collapsed building.
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