The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has reassured residents of its commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property following the recent building collapse in the state.

The Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, gave the assurance on Monday evening in an interview with newsmen at the scene of the Ebute Meta building collapse.

Oke-Osanyintolu has vowed to take firm action and conduct a thorough investigation following the collapse of a three-story building in the Ebute Meta area, which left four people dead and six rescued. The building, which was under construction, collapsed on Friday, September 12, sparking a five-day rescue operation.

“We do not want a repeat of such tragedies. Our priority is the safety of lives. That is why we have mobilised all relevant agencies to carry out thorough investigations.

“We appeal to Lagosians to cooperate with government regulations, as enforcement alone could not prevent disasters without community support,” he said.

On the actual number of persons in the building, the permanent secretary clarified that while figures about casualties remain unconfirmed, emergency responders were on the ground, working carefully and steadily.

He stressed that they were intent on rescuing all trapped persons and providing necessary medical support.

He stressed that the government of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu was doing everything humanly possible to protect the lives and property of Lagos residents.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and allow rescue operations to continue without disruption.

Oke-Osanyintolu added that since Friday evening, when the building collapsed, search and rescue operations had continued round the clock until the building get to ground zero.