Panic ripped through Odo-Kekere in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State on Thursday evening when a public school building collapsed.
The collapse, which was partial, happened shortly after school hours, was described by residents as a narrow escape from disaster.
Observers at the scene said a portion of the structure gave way with a deafening crack, sending clouds of dust into the air and drawing neighbours to the scene.
Officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and officials of the Lagos State Building Controls Agency were sent to the site, and they swiftly cordoned off the premises and commenced safety checks.
Initial reports confirmed that no pupils were inside the classrooms when the incident occurred.
Officials were, however checking the rubble to ensure no non-teaching staff or security personnel were trapped.
A resident, Mrs. Boluwaji Aderinto, whose house sits beside the school, stated that the collapse validated long-standing concerns about deteriorating public infrastructure in the area.
“We just heard a loud snap and everyone ran out. There was dust everywhere. If this had happened earlier in the day, only God knows what would have happened.
Government needs to wake up and act fast,” she said.
Senior officials of the Ministry of Education, including the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District II, have visited the site for on the spot assessment.
