CITIZENS COMPASS – Journalists from various media houses in Lagos State, were denied access into 1st avenue, Banana Island, Ikoyi, the scene of a building which collapsed on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
The Journalists werevseeking to visit the scene to get updates about the collapse but all were denied access into the estate.
The reporters drawn from various media houses including print, broadcast and online platforms were asked to wait outside for updates.
Citizens Compass learnt that this was due to security reasons as agreed by residents.
Many of the Journalists who spoke with our correspondent said this had hindered them from carrying out their official assignments.
Reacting to the reason behind the action, the estate management said, “They don’t want hoodlums to gain access into the estate in order to forestall breakdown of law and order.
The management, however, provided a tent for the waiting journalists.
Banana Island is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in Nigeria, home to some of the wealthiest people in the country. Access to the estate can not be gained without getting an access code from a resident.
Citizens Compass had reported that a building under construction collapsed on Wednesday, at 1st Avenue, Banana Island, Lagos State, collapsed on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at day time.
This is just as an adult male was yet to be accounted for at the scene of the building collapse.
It could not be ascertained if people were trapped underneath the rubbles of the building but the Chief Security Officer of the construction company handling the project, Anthony Ona, said an adult male was yet to be accounted for at press time.
The incident was confirmed by the Coordinator, Lagos State Territorial District, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye.
“NEMA and other emergency responders are busy with rescue operation, but I don’t know yet how many people that are trapped for now.”
Confirming the incident, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu said, ” The Agency activated its response plan and upon arrival at the scene of the incident, discovered that a seven storey building under construction had collapsed.
” Inspection revealed that the building was damaged by a cement mixer truck, which drove into the building columns.
” A head count carried out by the CSO Anthony Onah of the construction site has an adult male unaccounted for. His where about is unknown.
” Operation ongoing- Agency’s excavator, forklift are on site while crane is enroute. ”
At about 9.10 p.m., on Wednesday, Farinloye confirmed that nobody was trapped or died underneath the rubblrs.
