Landlord goes into hiding as Lagos residential building with 800 rooms collapses
In a devastating incident, a school-turned-residential building in the Ketu area of Lagos has experienced a partial collapse, leaving two individuals critically injured and fighting for their lives at a private hospital. This building, known as Agboye Estate on Oduntan Street, Ketu, is home to hundreds of residents and comprises more than 800 rooms.
The collapse first occurred on Saturday afternoon, following relentless rainfall that affected various parts of Lagos. Then, on Sunday afternoon, as residents were attempting to salvage their belongings, the building suffered another collapse, leading to the destruction of another structure within the compound and eventually resulting in its complete collapse.
This catastrophic event has instilled panic throughout the area, prompting families and individuals living in the building to vacate as quickly as possible. Upon visiting the site, emergency officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency observed residents hurriedly moving their belongings while ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected individuals.
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It is important to note that the compound housing these defective buildings had already been marked for demolition by the Lagos authorities. Additionally, in a 2014 investigation, a national newspaper exposed the harrowing living conditions endured by tenants of Agboye Estate. The report uncovered the presence of dangerous animals, including snakes and scorpions, due to stagnant sewage water surrounding the back of the building. Furthermore, the construction design of the blocks resulted in numerous rooms sharing a single toilet and bathroom, with an average of two individuals occupying each room.
Interestingly, tenants were prohibited from using power generators, electric kettles, air conditioners, or hosting important social gatherings within the facility, such as naming ceremonies or birthdays, by the landlord, Onamo Agboye. Moreover, access in and out of the compound was restricted by a curfew, with the compound entrance closing at 11:00 pm daily.
Following the publication of the report in 2014, the Lagos State Government temporarily sealed off the building but later lifted the sanction after a few days. However, in light of this tragic incident, the landlord of Agboye Estate has gone into hiding.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this devastating collapse, and we commend the ongoing rescue efforts as courageous individuals work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
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