Residents in shock as school building collapses in Ikorodu

Residents of Odo-Kekere Community in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State were thrown into panic on Thursday evening after part of a building in a public school suddenly collapsed.

The incident, which happened after school hours, was described by residents as a case of divine intervention, as no pupil or staff member was around at the time.

A source said a section of the school structure gave way late Thursday, producing a loud sound that attracted neighbours and passers-by to the scene.

Emergency officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, quickly arrived at the location. The agencies immediately cordoned off the area to prevent further danger and ensure public safety.

As of press time, the remote cause of incident and extent of damage were being investigated, while preliminary reports confirmed that students were not in the classrooms at the time of the collapse.

Emergency teams are currently conducting search and rescue operation to ensure no security guards or staff members were trapped in the rubble.

An eyewitness and resident, Mrs Boluwaji Aderinto, whose building is adjacent to the scene, expressed concerns of parents and community leaders in the area over safety measures by relevant authorities as they have earlier called for the renovation of aging educational infrastructure in the axis.

According to Aderinto, “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.”

Meanwhile, high delegation from the State Ministry of Education has visited the scene for on-the-spot assessment and necessary action.

A senior officer of the ministry who confirmed the situation on the condition of anonymity said, “We have officers on site, including the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District II, already assessing the situation for further action.”

This incident has raised serious concern over the condition of buildings in both private and public schools in Lagos, with the call for immediate overhaul of structures across primary and secondary schools in the interest of public safety.

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