Ambode arrives scene of building collapse, says 25 rescued

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has arrived at the scene of the building collapse on Lagos Island.

Ambode arrived at 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday.

Addressing journalists, he said he had been informed by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) that 25 persons have been rescued so far.

“I’ve been briefed that the building is a residential building accommodating an illegal school on the second floor.

“The rescue team are fully in charge and they will continue with the rescue operation. But I appeal to people to give the rescue workers a chance to save more lives,” Ambode said.

He added that the state government would carry out an integrity test on buildings around the area.

“This area and building here will be undergoing an integrity test. As you can see some of the buildings have been marked for demolition.

“We have been receiving pleas from house owners from the area. Notwithstanding, we will go ahead with the integrity test and any building that fails the integrity test will be demolished.

“But the most important thing now is to save more lives before we talk about dealing with the culprit.

“The deputy governor is at the hospital to take care of those who have been rescued and are at the hospital. The hospital bills will be taken care of by the state government,” Ambode said.