Geoffrey Anyanwu, Awka, with agency report

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commiserated with families of victims and the Lagos State Government over the collapse of a three-storey building in Ita Faji axis of Lagos Island.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, the governor said the incident and the attendant deaths are regrettable and a huge loss to the country, wishing the survivors quick recovery.

“On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I commiserate with the state government and people of Lagos State, over the tragic building collapse. The deaths are regrettable and one can only imagine the trauma the survivours are going through. I pray that God gives the families of the victims the fortitude to bear the loss.

“To the survivors of the collapsed building, I wish them quick recovery. I also extend heartfelt condolences to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on the terrible incident.”

Obaseki said the incident, once again, brings to the fore, the need for strict regulatory measures, effective monitoring and efficient implementation of safety guidelines in the building construction sector.

Similarly, vice presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in the February 23 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, has commiserated with the governments and people of Lagos and Anambra states, on the misfortune which befall them on Wednesday.

While he commiserated with Lagos on the building collapse in the state, which claimed some lives, including those of school children, Obi offered his condolences to the families of those affected in the accident which took place at Upper Iweka, Onitsha, Anambra state. 

In a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr. Valentine Obienyem, Obi stressed that the tragic incidents should elicit the compassion and concern of everyone, because “we are all part of humanity.”

He expressed worry at the continued incidence of collapsed buildings across the country and called on relevant agencies and organisations to double their efforts towards seeking final solution to the menace.

Obi prayed for the eternal repose of the souls of the dead, and urged public authorities, at all tiers, to take the issue of mass housing seriously.