By Onyebuchi Sampson
The Lagos State Government has arrested the developer in charge of the collapsed structure, which occurred at No.16, Akanbi Crescent, Onike Area, Lagos on Saturday afternoon.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, who confirmed the arrest, said the developer was arrested for illegal breaking of seal and construction.
The three- storey building was under construction before it collapsed around 3:30 p.m.
According to him, the developer was arrested and handed over to the RRS Team, while rescue operation is ongoing.
Salako stated that preliminary findings indicated that the site had been sealed off twice by the Lagos State Building Control Agency in 2021for non-compliance with building regulations, after which the site was abandoned.
However, the developer broke government deal, sneaked into the site and re-commenced construction without official authorisation.
Meanwhile, two adult males have been rescued alive, while three dead bodies were recovered from the debris.
AMAC Chairman-elect pledges to work with all The Chairman-elect, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Zakka, has pledged to work with all the critical stakeholders for the development of the council.
Zakka, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was declared winner of Saturday’s AMAC chairmanship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He polled 19,302 votes to defeat his closest rival, Murtala Usman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 13,240 votes.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday shortly after the INEC declaration, Zakka said he would work with every candidate in the election to develop the area.
“I am not that type that will forget them. I will carry everyone along. I am appealing that they should come.
“Whatever policy that they have, we will pool them together and make sure that AMAC is great,” he said.
The chairman-elect commended AMAC residents for participating in the election to give him their mandate.
“People came out from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 pm just to vote for me. I thank everyone.
“I know there are so many expectations from me and I pray to God to give me the wisdom to lead my people.”
Zakka also condemned reported cases of violence during the poll, saying, “election is not a do or die affair.
He said two people, he did not specify, died in the process.
“Elections do not have to go that way, because power comes from God.
“You do not look for power by killing human beings or importing thugs.
“So, we are unhappy. They should allow people to vote for whom they want.”
He urged security personnel to always do their job diligently wherever they were posted to. (NAN)
