It was a narrow escape for students and teachers of Yemco Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College in Ogba, Lagos State, yesterday, after a four-storey building housing the institution collapsed minutes after the pupils left the structure.
The building is located at 11, Adudatu Street, behind County Hospital in the Aguda axis of Ogba.
The Guardian learnt that the building came down shortly after students and teachers were asked to leave premises over imminent danger.
According to witnesses, a man in the area alerted school authorities that the building might be unsafe, prompting a rapid evacuation of occupants.
Officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) secured the scene and restricted access to the area.
Fortunately, no lives were lost.
It was gathered that the building owner and owners of Yemco Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College, will face prosecution over unauthorised renovation.
Part of the property used for residential purposes remained standing beside the collapsed structure. LASBCA spokesperson, Ademuyiwa Adu, told The Guardian that renovation was going on within the building and there was no sign of distress in the building that could have raised concern.
“We have asked residents of adjoining building to leave for safety. I can confirm that there’s no one in the building when it collapsed.
“We got to the scene very early and deployed every equipment and personnel. We are on top of the situation,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has visited the scene to determine the extent of damage.