15th September, 2014
The building collapse in the premises of the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Lagos, southwest Nigeria, that has killed more than 40 people is a national tragedy and a thorough investigation should be carried out to unearth the cause of the disaster.
The six-storey building collapsed suddenly at 12.44 pm on Friday, trapping hundreds of people and killing more than 40 of them, as at the last count on Sunday, while over a hundred of those trapped under the rubble have been rescued.
Perhaps most of the dead victims would have been rescued alive if the church staff and people perceived as thugs did not prevent officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, from carrying out rescue operations immediately the building crumbled.
Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, had to intervene by visitting the scene of the disaster and ordering the church staff to leave the site before rescue work could start in earnest.
The massive building was still under construction, but some completed floors were already serving as a guest house to wealthy worshipers and foreigners who came from outside of Lagos. It also hosted a five star restaurant.
The collapse, captured on surveillance camera, was so sudden and dramatic that Prophet T.B. Joshua has alleged a terrorist attack or sabotage. Others have alleged that substandard materials might have been used or that the foundation was not meant for a six-storey building but for only two floors.
Most of these allegations are still in the realm of speculation and only a thorough investigation can unravel the truth. We must go beyond speculation to serious investigation to unravel the facts and prevent future tragedies of this magnitude. Those who are found wanting should be made to face the full wrath of the law.