The Lagos State Government has issued an urgent evacuation order for the Mopol 20 Barracks in Ikeja, citing imminent structural collapse, News About Nigeria reports.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) is set to commence emergency evacuation procedures, specifically targeting the old block 3 section of the barracks.
This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu.
According to Oke-Osanyintolu, an assessment by the agency’s response team revealed critical structural weaknesses.
Oke-Osanyintolu said that adjacent buildings will also be evacuated promptly to prevent potential loss of life or property.
“The agency dispatched a response team to the location and the findings indicate that the building and those adjacent must be evacuated with immediate effect. We are conducting a response plan that comprises an assessment, safe and orderly evacuation, and controlled demolition.
“Under the watchful eye of the Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu administration, we will be carrying out this preemptive demolition action due to the precarious conditions of the building and possible secondary incidents that could occur if left unmanaged,” the statement reads in part.
He, however, asked members of the public within the vicinity to remain calm and refrain from spreading misinformation on social media.
He also assured that the situation was being closely monitored and managed.
In July, The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that the police were carrying out a comprehensive renovation of some police barracks in the state.
He added that the renovation would be carried out in partnership with the state government.
