THE death toll in the six storey building that collapsed at the Synagogue Church of All Nation, Lagos, has hit 80, says the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA.
At least, 17 dead bodies were removed from the rubbles on Wednesday, to add to the 63 dead bodies removed previously, bringing to 80 the number of death so far, whilst rescue operations continue.
NEMA’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Farinloye, told African Examiner that the death toll is now 80, as at Wednesday evening, saying more dead bodies are still expected to be removed from the rubbles.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government says it has no plan to seal the synagogue church until investigation is concluded.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Olutoyin Ayinde has reiterated the position of the Ministry, that the Six-floor Guest House of the Synagogue Church for All Nation that collapsed on Friday, 12th of September, 2014, at Ikotun- Egbe, a Lagos suburb, did not have building approval.
He expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy with those who lost their loved ones and those that were injured in the unfortunate incident. He said the Government and indeed the Ministry is particularly saddened that innocent lives were lost.
The Commissioner clarified that no plans were in the offing to take over the collapsed structure site, until thorough and detailed investigation, as to the cause(s) of the collapse, has been concluded.
He stressed that Government does not arbitrarily take over properties when investigation is still on-going.
Ayinde noted that government is conducting preliminary investigation into the cause(s) of the collapse and would leave no stone unturned in this direction.
According to him, if there is any violation of relevant planning law, the residents are assured that government would take appropriate action.
To this end, a Team of Engineers from the Ministry and other State Government Agencies are taking samples from the foundation and materials from the wreckage of the building for detailed analysis and testing, to ascertain the structural integrity of the building.
On the veracity of the “Strange Plane Theory”, alleged to have dangerously flown low over the building fifty minutes before the collapse, the Ministry had submitted the video clips, as provided by the Church to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) with the coordinate of the collapsed site for investigation and professional comment. African Examiner
