Lagos to compensate survivors, victims’ families as Ikoyi tragedy toll hits 42, governor says 15 rescued
Six more persons had earlier been rescued alive from the site of Ikoyi building collapse, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said on Saturday.
The governor made the comment during another visit to Gerrard Road where the building, which was being constructed by Fourscore Homes Limited, collapsed with, according to a witness, over 100 people buried in the rubble.
The Lagos governor said 15 persons have now been rescued but the death toll has risen to 42.
“An additional six people were discovered to have been rescued alive on the first day by first responders and taken to the police hospital before the arrival of LASEMA,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“This bumped up the number of people rescued alive to a total of 15, while we have sadly recovered 42 bodies so far.
“In order to help survivors and families of the victims cushion the effect of the loss of their daily bread and the loss of their loved ones, we have set aside some money to assist in the burial arrangements, and for survivors to settle in and cope with challenges of feeding in the aftermath of the incident.
“As of this morning, 49 families have filled a missing persons register, which has greatly helped us reconcile the details of victims rescued alive and also medically account for bodies recovered.
“Identification of bodies by relatives has also commenced and DNA examinations are being undertaken on some of the bodies difficult to be identified by families.
“Although so much progress has been made on the site and the heap has reduced significantly, search and recovery operations are still ongoing.
“I assure you we won’t relent on our efforts until all missing persons have been accounted for.
“May the souls of everyone who lost their lives on that site and anywhere around the world rest in peace. Amen.”
