Ikoyi building collapse: 29 families ready to claim bodies
. Search, rescues operations continues
By Fredrick Wright
No fewer than 29 families have submitted samples for DNA to identify and claim the bodies of their loved ones who died in the 21 storey building collapse on Gerrard road, Ikoyi Lagos.
This is even as the search and rescue operations continue at the site. 43 bodies are said to have been evacuated from the rubbles so far.
Acting Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos office, Ibrahim Farinloye confirmed to SlyeNews that the operation is yet to reach ground zero and therefore the search continues today (Wednesday).
Commissioner, Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso said the identification of bodies of the victims of the Ikoyi building collapse has continued at the IDH, Yaba, Lagos Mainland.
He said in cases where identification is clear and there are no arguments, the bodies will be released to the families as from this week.
However, he noted that a committee to supervise the identification and release of the bodies has been set up. It comprises senior officials of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Justice.
“At the site, the operation continues. It will go on until the site is cleared and no body is left in the rubble of the collapsed 21-storey edifice,” Omotosho said.
The Panel of Inquiry set up by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to find out why the building went down and suggest ways of stopping such incidents has continued its sittings. It is collecting documents that may help unravel the mystery of the collapsed building.
