The Lagos State Government has announced the immediate demolition of all buildings marked as distressed in the vicinity of the collapsed three-storey building at Alakija, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed.

The Governor’s position was made known on Friday during an on-site assessment of the tragic incident. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, who represented Governor Sanwo-Olu at the scene, expressed deep sympathy to the families of the victims and commended emergency responders for their swift and professional intervention.

According to the Commissioner, 27 people were rescued alive from the rubble while nine persons lost their lives. The search and rescue operation continued throughout the night, involving multiple agencies including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the Police, and other security and emergency units.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu is deeply saddened by this incident and has sent his heartfelt condolences to the affected families,” Omotoso said.

He added that the collapsed building had earlier been marked as structurally distressed, with occupants directed to vacate the premises, but the directive was allegedly ignored.

“All other buildings already marked as unsafe within the area will be demolished to prevent similar tragedies and safeguard the lives of residents,” the Commissioner stated.

Omotoso further disclosed that the owner of the collapsed building will be prosecuted, while anyone found to have violated building regulations or frustrated enforcement efforts will face appropriate legal action.

The Commissioner strongly condemned the construction of buildings under high-tension electricity lines, describing the practice as “dangerous” and “suicidal.”

“You cannot build under high-tension power lines. It is dangerous and unacceptable in any civilized society. It shows disregard for the law, and the government will not tolerate that,” he said.

The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, while survivors are receiving treatment in various hospitals. The government urged residents living in buildings around the scene to relocate immediately for their safety.

LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, and Special Duties Commissioner, Gbenga Oyerinde, who were also at the scene, joined in commending all first responders and security personnel for their tireless efforts in evacuating survivors.

The state government reiterated that the protection of lives remains its topmost priority and called on residents to always comply with safety directives and building regulations.

A Federal High Court in Lokoja has set aside its earlier judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.

In a ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Isah Dashen nullified the December 10, 2025 judgment, declaring it a nullity on grounds that it violated the principles of natural justice.

Justice Dashen held that all parties with a direct interest in the matter must be given a fair hearing before any substantive decision is made. He upheld an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which joined the suit as an interested party, ruling that PMP successfully established its legal interest.

The judge noted that the earlier proceedings were constitutionally defective because the interested party was not heard. He further observed that material facts were suppressed during the initial proceedings, which necessitated setting aside the previous ruling.

Justice Dashen ordered that the status quo be restored pending the hearing of the substantive suit. He directed that the case commence afresh, with INEC, the Peace Movement Party (PMP), and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) properly joined as parties.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has directed the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other relevant agencies to ensure early action against flooding across the country as the rainy season intensifies.

VP Shettima gave the directive on Thursday during a meeting of the AATF at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He stressed the need to shift from reactive emergency response to proactive preparedness.

“The administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to preventing floods and other climate-related disasters through timely intervention,” he said, emphasising that preparedness, coordination, and early action must become the standard practice of how risk is governed in the country.

VP Shettima who is also Chairman of the AATF observed that while climate and disaster risks are becoming more frequent and more severe every passing season, government’s responsibility should no longer be confined to responding only when emergencies arrive.

“We are called to act early, to reduce losses before they multiply, and to protect vulnerable communities before crises unfold around them,” he stated.