Shop owners recount harrowing escape from Lagos building collapse
Several shop owners at Alakija, Oriade Local Council Development Area, narrowly avoided death when a three-storey building collapsed. Kenneth Nwabueze and Jeffery Okoro shared their experiences, describing the tragic loss of lives and property. Warning signs, including visible cracks, had appeared before the incident, but no action was taken in time. Both men expressed gratitude for their survival but mourned the loss of colleagues and apprentices.
What happened
- Kenneth Nwabueze left the building minutes before it collapsed, but his apprentice died in the incident.
- Nine people lost their lives, and several others were trapped before being rescued.
- Shop owners had noticed cracks in the building the previous week and informed the landlord, who did not act promptly.
- The landlord reportedly said he needed government approval for renovations and had made a payment for this a few days before the collapse.
- Survivors stressed the importance of prioritising life over business or property.
