Lagos government orders demolition of popular church
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has ordered the demolition of a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) parish located in the Somolu area following structural damage caused by the collapse of a nearby building under construction.
The incident happened on Monday while the church was holding a service.
Although the collapse affected the church building severely, no lives were lost.
Construction workers on the site reportedly escaped by jumping from the top floor before the building gave way.
On Tuesday, LASBCA officials visited the area and posted a removal notice, stating that the church building was now unsafe and must be taken down within seven days.
Residents revealed that the construction on the collapsed building moved at an unusually fast pace.
The quick rise of the structure after the old one was demolished had raised concerns before the collapse occurred.
The affected church is now faced with the challenge of relocation.
Members feared that moving far away could affect their bond and reduce attendance, especially in an industrial area like Somolu where they are closely connected.
Urban planning experts have warned about the growing problem of hasty and unregulated construction in Lagos, pointing out that incidents like this pose a risk to public safety.
Somolu now joins the list of areas where building failures have disrupted lives and threatened communities.
As of the time of this report, the Lagos State Government has not issued any official word on whether the developers of the collapsed building will face penalties.
