The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has issued a demolition order for the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Liberty Parish in the Somolu area following a partial collapse caused by a neighboring building under construction. The incident, which occurred on Monday, June 16, saw a two-storey structure at Number 3 Craig Street collapse during the decking stage, with its pillars falling onto the church and causing significant structural damage.
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), worshippers and construction workers narrowly escaped harm, as no casualties or injuries were reported. The agency confirmed that the area has been cordoned off and public awareness campaigns have been conducted to prevent unauthorized access while investigations into the cause of the collapse continue.
LASBCA, after assessing the damage, posted a notice on the church building mandating its demolition within seven days due to the structural defects sustained. The notice warned that failure to comply would result in government-led demolition, with costs recovered from the property owners.
Pastor Daniel Ojo, who leads the parish, expressed deep concern over the disruption to church activities and the difficulty of finding a temporary location, given the industrial nature of Somolu. He recounted initial worries about the rapid construction of the collapsed building and the subsequent impact on the church structure.
Eyewitnesses described how workers at the construction site managed to escape by fleeing from the upper floors as the building gave way. LASBCA representatives confirmed that the demolition notice was served after clearing the rubble and inspecting the church for further risks.
Multiple emergency agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, responded to the incident and are collaborating on follow-up actions.
