*After collapsed structure incident
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has ordered the demolition of a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) parish building in the Somolu area after it was structurally compromised by a nearby construction collapse.
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), worshippers narrowly escaped injury or death when a building under construction collapsed onto the church on Monday.
While no casualties were reported, significant damage was done.
On Tuesday, LASBCA officials visited the site, ordering the occupants to vacate the premises.
Notices pasted on the building stated that the church structure had been weakened and posed a safety risk.
A formal demolition order was issued, giving seven days for compliance.
The notice read:
“If the said infraction is not removed within seven days from the date of this notice, the said infraction/unauthorised or distressed building shall be demolished and the cost of such demolition recovered from you.”
Parish pastor Daniel Ojo expressed concern over the impact of the demolition on the congregation.
“We can no longer hold services here. We were supposed to meet today, but that’s not possible anymore,” he said.
Ojo also questioned the speed and quality of the construction that led to the collapse, noting that excavation and building work progressed rapidly just days after the initial structure was pulled down.
He added that relocating the church would be difficult due to the industrial nature of Somolu.
“Getting a temporary venue is tough, and if we move too far, we risk losing members. This Church is like a family to us,” he said.
A local trader who witnessed the collapse said construction workers were lucky to escape.
“They were all on the top floor. As the building started to give way, they jumped off and ran for safety,” the trader said.
A LASBCA representative identified as Adekomi Adeniyi confirmed that the notice has been issued.
“After clearing the rubble, we inspected the church structure and found it had been affected, which is why the notice was served,” he stated, without providing his official designation.