Deborah Akinyosoye
Authorities in Lagos have ordered the demolition of a Redeemed Christian Church of God parish in the Somolu area after a neighbouring building under construction collapsed and damaged the worship centre, narrowly sparing lives.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) issued the final demolition notice on Tuesday, citing structural compromise to the church caused by the fallen building. Worshippers had been inside the church on Monday when the collapse occurred but escaped without injury.
“This building has been declared distressed and must be removed within seven days,” a notice pasted on the church wall read.
Residents say construction on the now-collapsed structure had progressed unusually fast, raising safety concerns before the incident. “They started building immediately after demolition, and within days, it was rising fast,” said Daniel Ojo, the church’s pastor. “Now our members have nowhere to worship.”
Ojo expressed frustration over the situation, noting that relocating services would be difficult due to the area’s industrial nature and the strong community ties within the congregation. “We risk losing members if we move far. This church is like family,” he added.
Eyewitnesses recounted how workers on the construction site narrowly avoided death. “They were on the top floor when it began to fall. They jumped and ran. It’s a miracle no one died,” a trader nearby told reporters.
LASBCA officials confirmed the inspection and subsequent order.
Adekomi Adeniyi, who spoke on behalf of the agency, said the demolition was necessary for public safety following a structural assessment.
Urban safety experts have warned that a growing culture of rapid, unregulated construction in Lagos threatens lives. The Somolu collapse adds to a rising number of incidents involving poorly supervised or rushed building projects in densely populated areas.
The Lagos government has not yet commented on whether any sanctions will be issued against those behind the collapsed building.