The demolition was ordered following a report by PUNCH Metro on the building and the anxiety by residents of the area.
Our correspondent had reported that the owner, who lived in the United States, abandoned the building because it had structural defects.
A few years after it was abandoned, hoodlums and beggars turned the place into their haven, disregarding the dangers.
However, when our correspondent visited the building on Monday, it was observed that demolition had started and illegal occupants of the rooms had been evicted.
According to some of the residents, the demolition shows government’s concern for the security of lives of the citizens.
One of them, Mr. Rasak Adewale, who observed that the demolition of the building would make its occupants homeless, said safety of lives was more important.
He said, “The demolition has both advantages and disadvantages. Though, the advantages are obviously greater than the disadvantages. I pity those that used to live in the building. But they must realise that the demolition is for their safety too.”
Another resident, identified simply as Taye, who commended PUNCH Metro for the initial report, pleaded with the government to compensate former occupants of the building.
She said, “We all know what it takes to get accommodation in Lagos. Nobody will wish to reside in that kind of building. It will be better if the government can give them support to get another house.
“I appreciate the report by The PUNCH, but the fact remains that demolishing the building alone may not solve the problem because those living there will still go and look for another abandoned building to reside since they don’t have the capability to rent a house. They might even rob or do other illegal activities to get another house.
“I appeal to the government to take a bold step to help those occupying the defective building to get a decent accommodation.”
When contacted on the telephone, General Manager, Lagos State Building and Control Agency, Mrs. Abimbola Animashaun, said the demolition of the building by the agency was in line with the Lagos State Rural and Urban Development Law 2010.
She said, “We don’t have to compensate those living in the building because the owner of the building should have demolished it before now. We have only demolished the house for the safety of lives of the occupants and people living around the building.
“According to the Lagos State Urban and Rural Development Law 2010, if we see any defective building, we are expected to remove it and that is exactly what we have done.”
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