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Stakeholders Urge Government to Address Rising Incidents of Building Collapses

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Amid growing concerns over the frequent building collapses and demolitions across Nigeria, stakeholders are calling on the government to take immediate and decisive action to tackle this issue. The recent spate of collapses has led to significant economic losses, social disruption, and tragic loss of life, prompting urgent demands for stronger regulatory measures.

The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) has been particularly vocal, following a devastating building collapse in Kosofe Local Government Area, Lagos. On July 25, 2024, a three-story building, including a penthouse, collapsed at 13 Wilson Mba Street, Arowojobe Estate, Mende, Maryland, claiming the lives of five people. The BCPG has expressed deep concern over the handling of this incident, highlighting what they see as systemic failures in construction oversight and safety regulations.

During an investigation at the site of the collapse, the BCPG identified several critical issues that demand immediate government attention. The presence of newly constructed pile caps raised questions about the construction methods employed and the building’s overall structural integrity. The guild has called for a thorough investigation to uncover the root causes of the collapse and to reassess the current standards governing the construction industry.

BCPG representatives, Mr. Soji Adeniji and Fatai Balogun, emphasized that this tragedy is part of a broader pattern of negligence within the construction sector. They noted that despite ongoing monitoring by government officials, the existing regulatory framework has been ineffective in preventing such disasters.

In response to these concerns, the BCPG has put forward several recommendations aimed at enhancing building safety and preventing future collapses:

1. Comprehensive Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Conduct NDT on all buildings exhibiting signs of structural distress, particularly in areas near recent collapse sites. This will help assess the integrity of these structures and prevent further incidents.

2. Thorough Verification of Soil Investigation Reports: Ensure that all soil investigation reports submitted for construction projects are accurate and detailed. This includes verifying the findings to address any gaps in geotechnical surveys and imposing strict penalties for negligence.

3. Concurrent Forensic Investigations: Implement forensic investigations alongside rescue operations to accurately determine the causes of building collapses. This approach will help uncover any malpractice in the construction process and hold responsible parties accountable.

4. Enhanced Accountability and Training: Introduce stringent accountability measures for construction errors and ensure that all projects comply with both local and international standards. Regular training for oversight staff should focus on conducting comprehensive technical audits and preventing corruption.

5. Rigorous Construction Supervision and Certification: Establish a robust system for inspecting and certifying construction projects at all stages. This should include regular safety audits and evaluations of contractor performance, with findings made publicly accessible.

6. Combatting Unqualified Practitioners: Create and maintain a comprehensive database of licensed construction professionals, detailing their qualifications and experience. Ensure that only qualified individuals are authorized to participate in construction projects, and thoroughly assess design indemnity and insurance policies.

The BCPG concluded by urging the government to take these recommendations seriously and to launch a comprehensive investigation into the systemic issues contributing to building collapses. They stressed the importance of a collaborative effort involving government agencies, construction companies, and community stakeholders to uphold safety standards and ensure accountability.

The guild remains committed to advocating for safer construction practices and seeks justice for the victims of recent building collapses. They are awaiting the government’s response and the public release of the investigation report to address these urgent concerns and work towards a safer built environment for all Nigerians.

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IPOB’s lawyer accuses Anambra govt of violating citizens’ rights, wants all arrested charged to court

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The counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on the Anambra State Government to either charge to court or release individuals allegedly detained for the past five weeks without trial.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Ejiofor criticized what he described as “violations of citizens’ rights,” emphasizing that the detainees have not been presented before any court or formally charged with a crime.

“Today, March 15, 2025, marks five full weeks since several citizens of Anambra State were arbitrarily arrested and detained in a private facility controlled by the state government. Shockingly, they have not been charged with any offense or brought before any court of law. This is a flagrant violation of their fundamental rights,” Ejiofor stated.

He expressed concern that the detainees were not held by the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), or the military, but instead in an undisclosed facility, without any official explanation from the government.

Ejiofor, who has previously supported the government’s security efforts, urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to ensure the rule of law is upheld.

“I have always championed active citizen participation in combating insecurity and have publicly urged the government to act against criminal elements. However, this must be done legally and transparently,” he said.

While commending the efforts of the state’s Agụnechemba security outfit, Ejiofor insisted that professionalism and adherence to due process are crucial.

He reaffirmed his support for lawful measures to combat crime but warned that arbitrary detentions could erode public trust in the government’s security strategy.

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Osun Amotekun recruits accuse Adeleke’s govt of nepotism

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The Osun State Amotekun Corps has denied allegations of nepotism in its ongoing recruitment of 1,000 cadets, following claims by some dismissed recruits that they were removed in favor of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members.

Some affected candidates, seen outside the NYSC camp venue in Osogbo, alleged they were removed due to their affiliation with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on behalf of the group, a dismissed cadet, Usman, claimed that they had been in camp since Sunday before being replaced by PDP members, some of whom, he alleged, were unfit for training.

However, Amotekun’s Board Chairman, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Wale Abass, dismissed the allegations as baseless. He explained that those removed from the training camp either failed to meet the required standards or did not follow the proper recruitment process.

“The 1,000 cadets invited for training went through a rigorous selection process. They submitted applications online, underwent document verification, and passed physical fitness tests before being invited to camp,” Abass stated.

He further revealed that some unqualified individuals managed to gain access to the camp, while some selected candidates failed to meet the reporting deadline. Those with health issues were also disqualified.

Abass reaffirmed that the Amotekun Corps remains committed to fairness and impartiality in its recruitment process. He described the allegations as an attempt to create confusion and undermine the security outfit’s credibility.

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Opposition no longer safe with recruitment of Osun PDP members into Amotekun – APM

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The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Osun State has raised concerns over the alleged recruitment of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the state’s Amotekun Corps, claiming it threatens the safety of opposition members.

In a statement issued on Friday, APM Chairman, Mr. Adewale Adebayo, criticized the recruitment process, alleging that non-PDP applicants were deliberately screened out. He warned that Amotekun, originally created to enhance security, was being turned into a political tool.

“We are disturbed by the protest by well-meaning Osun residents who applied but were deliberately excluded because they are not PDP members,” Adebayo stated.

He further alleged that over 1,000 PDP members had been recruited into the corps, describing it as an attempt to silence opposition voices. According to him, the recruitment exercise was merely a formality to cover up a pre-arranged selection process favoring ruling party members.

APM has called for the resignation of the Corps Commandant and Field Commandant of Amotekun, demanding an apology to the affected applicants and the people of the state. The party insisted that the security outfit must remain apolitical to maintain public trust.

Neither the Osun State Government nor the leadership of Amotekun has responded to the allegations as of the time of this report.

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