The National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West (Zone D), has sympathised with victims of the recent building collapse in Lekki, Lagos State, and called for an investigation into the incident.
The student body also demanded accountability from all those found culpable in the tragedy.
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Tope Olugbemi, and made available to Sunday on Saturday, the student body expressed condolences to the family of Mr. John Asabere, described as a hardworking father and breadwinner who reportedly lost his life in the incident.
The association condemned the increasing cases of building collapse across the country, particularly in Lagos, stressing that strict compliance with construction standards and effective monitoring by regulatory agencies could prevent such tragedies.
“It is disheartening that despite advancements in construction technology and regulatory frameworks, avoidable structural failures continue to claim lives that could have been saved through strict compliance with building standards and effective monitoring.
“We are compelled to question the role of relevant regulatory authorities, particularly the Lagos State Building Control Agency, whose responsibility includes ensuring that construction projects adhere strictly to approved specifications and safety regulations. Incidents of this nature should have become a thing of the past if all necessary preventive measures and oversight responsibilities had been diligently carried out.”
“Even more disturbing are allegations that attempts have been made to downplay the severity of the incident and suppress information relating to the fatalities recorded at the site. If proven true, such actions represent a gross disregard for human life, an abuse of influence, and a deliberate attempt to deny grieving families the justice and closure they deserve.
“NANS Southwest therefore calls on all relevant security and investigative agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse. We urge authorities to resist any form of interference, intimidation, or cover-up that may compromise the integrity of the investigation,” the statement read in part.