The General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, yesterday, condemned increasing attacks on officials of the agency.
Oki disclosed this at his Ikeja office, while reacting to a recent attack during which dangerous weapons and charms were used on officers carrying out routine monitoring, along Musical Village, Awolowo road, and the Ikorodu area of Lagos.
According to him, no amount of intimidation or harassment will make the agency go back on its mandate of ensuring safe buildings across the state. He said: “The assailants do not only obstruct our staff, but also hold them hostage for hours. These acts of hooliganism will not deter us from carrying out our duties.”
The General Manager, while elaborating on challenges faced daily by LASBCA staff, said: “Thankfully, we managed to overcome these attacks without any casualties.
“Our staff’s resilience and quick responses have played a crucial role in overpowering the assailants and preventing more severe consequences. These are the kinds of challenges we face daily, in our bid to ensure that buildings in the state are safe and fit for habitation.”
Oki called for understanding from the public and support for the agency in its mission to curb the menace of building collapse in the state. He noted that incidences of harassment jeopardise the agency’s monitoring activities and could pose significant threats to the public.
Oki reiterated the dedication of the agency in maintaining and enforcing building standards in Lagos State, even in the face of adversity. He stressed that the assailants have since been handed over to security operatives for prosecution.