A stitch in time, they say, saves nine. To avert the tragedy that occurred at Idi-Araba during which more than 10 people died when a building collapsed about two weeks ago, executive Chairman of Apapa Iganmu Local Council Development Area, Dr. Adebayo Samuel Adesola, has issued a 24-hour quit notice to the 24 families occupying a two-storey building on the verge of collapse.


The dilapidated building is located on 8, Odofin Street, Abete, Ijora, Badia, a suburb of Lagos. The two-storey building, which has 24 rooms, P.M.NEWS learnt, was constructed over 20 years ago without any approval from the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. Alhaji Raji Bajepade, the owner of the building, who resides at 33, Shekoni Street, Coker-Aguda, told P.M.NEWS that the building was initially a bungalow before another storey was added to it. He added that he did not obtain any approved plan and survey plan before adding a new floor to the building.

He pleaded with the state government not to take over the property, as it is the only source of his livelihood. He also assured that tenants in the building would pack out as ordered by the council chairman, adding that he would demolish it immediately the tenants are out. In a swift reaction, the Apapa Council boss, Dr. Adesola, stated that he cannot wait for the building to collapse before saving the occupants. He said that was why he gave them 24 hours to pack out of the building.

The council boss also revealed that all the agencies charged with the responsibility of regulating activities in the housing sector have been informed about the building. On the plight of the tenants, the council boss stated that he had called for all the names of the tenants in the building, so that the council could give them assistance. “We should not allow human lives to be wasted. It is too obvious that this building may collapse any time. “This building is a time bomb for the people living there and we should not allow what happened at Idi Araba to happen here before we start looking for solution,” he stated.

Mallam Abdulahi Arena, a tenant in the building, attributed the state of the building to the nonchallant attitude of some other tenants who he said contributed to the dilapidated condition of the house. Mr. M.A. Abass, the Vice Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Builders, Lagos state chapter, attributed the dilapidated state of the building to the swampy land on which the house was erected. He stated that the land was sand-filled with refuse and instead of the house owner to seek for the advice of the builders and everyone that has knowledge of soil testing, the landlord decided to build the house on his own and this is the outcome.



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