By FABIAN EKERUCHE

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), has commenced the controlled demolition of the fire-damaged building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

He said the exercise followed a comprehensive structural assessment and would be carried out in line with international best practices in urban safety, disaster risk management and public health protection.

Oke-Osanyintolu advised traders, residents, customers and members of the public to comply strictly with all safety directives during the demolition.

He said the affected building and its immediate surroundings had been declared a restricted and hazardous area.

According to him, no unauthorised person should enter the premises, while traders and customers should keep a safe distance to avoid injuries from falling debris or possible structural collapse.

He added that all trading, parking, loading and other commercial activities around the building had been suspended until the area was certified safe by relevant authorities.

The permanent secretary said the site had been barricaded with warning signs, while security personnel had been deployed to prevent unauthorised access and manage crowds.

He said the demolition contractor would conduct a final structural assessment before commencing work and ensure full compliance with established safety regulations.

According to him, the site will remain cordoned off throughout the operation, with dust suppression measures as well as traffic and pedestrian management plans in place.

Oke-Osanyintolu said all personnel on site must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, while operators of heavy machinery must ensure all equipment is certified fit for use.

He said emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Ambulance Service and first aid personnel, would remain on standby throughout the exercise.

He added that the demolition team would work with the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and other relevant agencies.

The permanent secretary said continuous public sensitisation would be carried out to discourage residents, traders and onlookers from gathering around the site until the exercise was completed.

He acknowledged the economic importance of Martins Street to the Lagos Island business community but said the precautionary measures were necessary to protect lives and property.

Oke-Osanyintolu urged residents to cooperate with security and emergency personnel, advising them to report safety concerns through LASEMA Response Units or the emergency toll-free lines 112 and 767.

He thanked the Martins Street community for patience, understanding and cooperation as the government worked to restore safety and normalcy to the area. (NAN)

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