Collapse of Lagos Public School Building Sparks Tension in Ikorodu
Residents of Odo-Kekere Community in Ikorodu, Lagos State, were thrown into panic Thursday evening when part of a public school building suddenly collapsed. The incident, which occurred after school hours, left the community relieved that no students were present at the time.
According to sources, a section of the school gave way with a loud crash, prompting neighbors to rush to the scene. First responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) quickly cordoned off the area to prevent further accidents and began preliminary assessments.
Emergency teams are conducting searches to ensure that no staff or security personnel were trapped in the debris. Officials are still investigating the cause of the collapse and assessing the extent of the damage.
An eyewitness, Mrs. Boluwaji Aderinto, who lives adjacent to the school, described the scene: “We heard a loud crack and then dust everywhere. We thank God it didn’t happen in the morning when the children were in their desks. This is a wake-up call for the government.”
The incident has renewed calls from parents and community leaders for urgent renovations and stricter safety checks of aging school buildings across Lagos.
A high-level delegation from the Lagos State Ministry of Education, including the Tutor General and the Education District II Permanent Secretary, visited the site for an on-the-spot assessment. A senior ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that officials are evaluating the structure for immediate intervention.
This event has sparked broader concerns about the state of public and private school infrastructure in Lagos, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive inspections and renovations to safeguard students and staff.
