By Uzoma Akobundu
Amid chaos, 43 of the pupils trapped in the building that collapsed on Wednesday in the Lagos Island have been rescued.
Twelve of the occupants have been confirmed killed in the building collapse.
Rescue operation has not been easy because of the terrain of the accident where human and vehicular traffic coupled with unplanned neighbourhood pose great challenge.
Governor Akinwunmi Amobode and his deputy, Idiat Adebulu have visited to see things for themselves.
The Lagos State Emergency and Management Agency (LASEMA) officials have been battling with the rescue exercise but they have also complained about the terrain.
Lagos state governor-elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, senate president Bukola Saraki and former vice president Atiku Abubakar have sent their sympathy messages to the school management and the families of the pupils who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Most of the survivors have been rushed to the Lagos Island General Hospital in Marina for urgent medical attention on the orders of Ambode.
At press time, many persons were said o be trapped with sympathisers fearing that the delayed rescue operation may worsen their state.
The three-storey building housing Baden School near Adeniji Adele came down in the morning shortly after the day’s morning devotion.
More than 100 pupils and their teachers were originally feared killed in the accident.
Investigation on the scene of the incident shows that the building had a lot of cracks and was marked for demolition by government. but that had not be carried out for reasons nobody can tell.
The building also habours other occupants who live there and those doing business within, apart from the school. The primary school is said to be located on the second floor of the building, which is believed to be about 30 years old.
President Muhammadu Buhari has also described the collapse of a three-storey building as “extremely sad”.
In a statement, Buhari sympathised with the parents and relations of the deceased, wishing them God’s comfort and the injured speedy and complete recovery.
“It touches one to lose precious lives in any kind of mishap, particularly those so young and tender. May God grant everyone affected by this sad incident the fortitude and succour,” the President said.
While commiserating with the government and people of Lagos State over the incident, President Buhari pledged the assistance of the Federal Government as may be required by the state.
He also asked the Lagos State government to do all that is needful, to prevent a recurrence of such tragic developments in the future.