The National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West Zone D, has expressed sympathy with victims of the recent building collapse in Lekki, Lagos State, while calling for a full-scale investigation into the incident.
The student body also insisted that anyone found responsible for the tragedy must be held accountable.
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Tope Olugbemi, and obtained by The Punch on Saturday, the association extended condolences to the family of Mr John Asabere, described as a diligent father and breadwinner who reportedly died in the collapse.
NANS condemned the recurring incidents of building failures across Nigeria, particularly in Lagos, stressing that strict adherence to construction regulations and stronger oversight by relevant agencies could help avert such disasters.
“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.”
The group further raised concern over claims that efforts may have been made to downplay the severity of the collapse and suppress details of casualties.
“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.
