Lagos Directs Demolition Of Police Barracks Due To Risk Of Collapse

The Lagos State Government has sounded the alarm over a looming danger of a building collapse at the Mopol 20 Barracks, located in the Onigbongbo area of Ikeja. This comes in light of findings by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), which has prompted the immediate initiation of emergency procedures to evacuate residents and demolish the deteriorating structure known as Block 3.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, explained that the agency’s response team had conducted an inspection of the building and found it in a dangerously unstable condition. Further assessments revealed that the structure, along with adjacent buildings, poses an imminent risk to life and property, necessitating swift action. Oke-Osanyintolu noted that “the building and adjacent structures would be evacuated immediately to prevent any loss of life or property.”

LASEMA, under the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, has developed a comprehensive response plan to handle the situation. This plan includes three critical stages: an initial assessment of the affected structures, the orderly and safe evacuation of residents, and the controlled demolition of the buildings in question. The agency has already dispatched its response team to the site to begin executing these measures.

The Permanent Secretary emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the structural conditions could lead to a catastrophic collapse if left unattended. He highlighted that preemptive demolition is crucial to prevent secondary incidents, such as potential damage to adjacent buildings or injuries to nearby residents. Oke-Osanyintolu assured the public that the government was prioritizing safety and that the demolition would be carried out in a controlled manner to minimize risk.

The issue of building collapse in Lagos State has been a persistent concern, with multiple incidents in recent years resulting in tragic loss of life and property. The government’s focus on preventing such occurrences has intensified, particularly under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, which has made proactive measures a key aspect of infrastructure safety management. This latest evacuation and demolition plan underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring public safety in high-risk areas.

Oke-Osanyintolu further urged the public, particularly those in the surrounding area, to remain calm as the situation is being managed carefully. He called on residents to refrain from spreading misinformation, especially on social media, which could cause unnecessary panic. He also reassured the public that the entire operation was being closely monitored by experts and that every step was being taken to ensure the safety of both the residents and the wider community.

LASEMA’s swift response to this emergency is part of a broader strategy aimed at mitigating the risks associated with aging infrastructure across Lagos. The agency has been actively identifying and addressing structural deficiencies in both residential and commercial buildings throughout the state. The case of Mopol 20 Barracks is particularly sensitive, given its role as a police barracks, housing law enforcement personnel and their families.

As evacuation plans proceed, the state government has pledged to provide temporary accommodation for displaced residents and ensure that they are not left in a vulnerable position. This intervention is also a reminder of the broader challenge facing Lagos, a megacity grappling with urban decay, overcrowding, and inadequate infrastructure maintenance.

The imminent demolition of Block 3 at Mopol 20 Barracks signals a proactive approach by the Lagos State Government in addressing infrastructure hazards. By taking swift, preventive action, the government is not only safeguarding lives but also setting a precedent for dealing with potential structural failures before they result in disaster. This strategy, combined with efforts to improve urban planning and building safety standards, aims to prevent further tragedies in Lagos and to ensure that residents can live without fear of structural collapses.