Residents of a Lagos structure adjudged as weak were thrown in commotion on Sunday, following their forced evacuation.
Officials of the State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, said the exercise at House 3, Ajayi Road, Ogba, was carried out to prevent any casualty should the building collapse.
The team leader, who identified himself as Mr. Bosun, said the agency had received various reports about the poor state of the three-storey building.
Even though, the building residents only got notification to vacate the building premises on Saturday, everyone had complied by late Sunday evening.
A part of the building had sunk, and another tilted to one side.
The number of persons affected by the exercise could also not be ascertained, as at the time of writing this report because apart from residential apartments, the building also housed a church and a medical diagnostic centre, all of which have now moved.
But relocation has not been an easy option for those affected by the sudden evacuation exercise.
Amechi Ifedinezi, who was assisting a friend move his load, said it had been a long, tiring experience "for everyone involved."
"The residents have been splitting their goods and family members among friends, pending when they will get a permanent place," he said.
"Those with businesses here will also have it tough, as they might lose their customer base with the change of address. They will also lose money pending when they get a new office."
Defending the agency's action, Bosun said the evacuation exercise was imperative to "save the lives of the residents."
"We're here to ensure safety first; other decisions regarding the fate of the building and the relocation of residents will be decided by my superiors tomorrow (Monday)," he said.
However, the owner of the building, who declined to make any comment on the evacuation exercise, also attempted to dissuade journalists from covering the exercise.
The landlord said he was trying "to prevent any unnecessary publicity."
But according to another member of the agency, who did not want his name in prints, more evacuation exercises would still follow in the state.
"Over 100 buildings have already been marked to go on the Lagos Island alone," said the official.
Culled:Dailytimes
Officials of the State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, said the exercise at House 3, Ajayi Road, Ogba, was carried out to prevent any casualty should the building collapse.
The team leader, who identified himself as Mr. Bosun, said the agency had received various reports about the poor state of the three-storey building.
Even though, the building residents only got notification to vacate the building premises on Saturday, everyone had complied by late Sunday evening.
A part of the building had sunk, and another tilted to one side.
The number of persons affected by the exercise could also not be ascertained, as at the time of writing this report because apart from residential apartments, the building also housed a church and a medical diagnostic centre, all of which have now moved.
But relocation has not been an easy option for those affected by the sudden evacuation exercise.
Amechi Ifedinezi, who was assisting a friend move his load, said it had been a long, tiring experience "for everyone involved."
"The residents have been splitting their goods and family members among friends, pending when they will get a permanent place," he said.
"Those with businesses here will also have it tough, as they might lose their customer base with the change of address. They will also lose money pending when they get a new office."
Defending the agency's action, Bosun said the evacuation exercise was imperative to "save the lives of the residents."
"We're here to ensure safety first; other decisions regarding the fate of the building and the relocation of residents will be decided by my superiors tomorrow (Monday)," he said.
However, the owner of the building, who declined to make any comment on the evacuation exercise, also attempted to dissuade journalists from covering the exercise.
The landlord said he was trying "to prevent any unnecessary publicity."
But according to another member of the agency, who did not want his name in prints, more evacuation exercises would still follow in the state.
"Over 100 buildings have already been marked to go on the Lagos Island alone," said the official.
Culled:Dailytimes
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