President Muhammadu Buhari has described the collapse of a three-storey building containing a school in Lagos on Wednesday as “extremely sad”.
The primary school is said to be located on the second floor of the building, which is believed to be about 30 years old.
No fewer than 12 people, including pupils are reported to have died.
A pregnant woman, the proprietor of the nursery/Primary school and 19 others, including no fewer than 12 pupils died in the collapsed building at Massey Street, Itafaji on Lagos Island on Wednesday, witnesses and hospital sources said.
However, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said eight persons died, while 34 others were rescued in the wreckage of the building that collapsed at about 10 am.
Lagos State Emergency Management Agency did not give the number of the dead, but said it rescued 10 persons out of the wreckage. The agency said its rescue team and other agencies brought out 10 people alive, made up of 3 adult females, 1 adult male, 2 teenage boys, 1 young boy and 3 teenage girls.
The South-West Zonal Head of Public Affairs of the Agency, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye said the rescue operation was ongoing as at 8pm.
At least 24 victims have been rescued and taken to the Lagos General Hospital, Marina, with nine confirmed dead. Many more are feared trapped in the building.
President Buhari sympathised with the parents and relations of the deceased, wishing them God’s comfort and the injured speedy and complete recovery.
“It touches one to lose precious lives in any kind of mishap, particularly those so young and tender. May God grant everyone affected by this sad incident the fortitude and succour,” the President said.
While commiserating with the government and people of Lagos State over the incident, President Buhari pledged the assistance of the Federal Government as may be required by the state.
He also asked the Lagos State government to do all that is needful, to prevent a recurrence of such tragic developments in the future.
