A partial building collapse at a public school in the Odo-Kekere Community, Ikorodu area of Lagos State, sparked panic among residents on Thursday evening. The incident occurred after school hours, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) quickly arrived at the scene, cordoning off the area to ensure safety. As of the latest update, the cause of the collapse and the extent of the damage are being investigated. Fortunately, preliminary reports indicate that students were not in the classrooms at the time of the incident.
Emergency teams are conducting a search and rescue operation to confirm that no security guards or staff members are trapped in the rubble. An eyewitness, Mrs. Boluwaji Aderinto, whose building is adjacent to the school, expressed the concerns of parents and community leaders regarding the safety measures in place. They have previously called for the renovation of aging educational infrastructure in the area.
Aderinto described the moment of the collapse, saying, “We heard a loud crack and then dust everywhere. We thank God it didn’t happen in the morning when the children were in their desks. This is a wake-up call for the government.” A high-level delegation from the State Ministry of Education has visited the scene to assess the situation and determine the next course of action.
A senior ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that officers, including the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District II, are on site evaluating the situation. This incident highlights concerns over the condition of buildings in both private and public schools in Lagos, prompting calls for an immediate overhaul of structures across primary and secondary schools to ensure public safety.
The Lagos State Government is under pressure to address the issue of dilapidated school buildings, which poses a significant risk to the lives of students and staff. The government’s response to this incident will be closely watched, as it seeks to reassure the public of its commitment to providing safe learning environments. With the investigation ongoing, the focus remains on ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future, through a comprehensive assessment and renovation of school infrastructure.
