Lagos state government has stated that a total of 20 adults and children lost their lives in the building collapse that occurred at Itafaji area of Lagos state, urging residents to quit inflating the number of casualties.
It also released a statement in reaction to rumors about money donations attributed to government officers.
Some parents had earlier complained that the staff of the hospital where the victims were rushed have been asking for payment of bills before their wards are given proper treatment.
Read the statement below.
The attention of the Lagos State government has been drawn to an online publication of 14th March 2019 titled: “Lagos building collapse: Victims’ families protest request for payment before treatment’ in which it was falsely alleged that some of the survivors of the collapsed building at Ita-Faji, Lagos Island were being requested by some government health facilities to pay for medical services.
The State government feels saddened by the unfortunate incident which occurred on the 13th of March 2019, leading to the death and injury of some of its citizens mostly innocent children. We commiserate deeply with all who suffered or are suffering as a result of this disaster. May we all receive sufficient comfort at this dark period.
We wish to clarify that emergency services were promptly deployed to the site. The State Agencies and other concerned organisations worked tirelessly up till today to ensure that as many as possible were rescued alive. Also, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode during his visit immediately gave an instruction to all State owned medical facilities that no survivor should be charged a kobo for any required medical services. This directive of His Excellency is being adhered to religiously at all government health facilities and compliance is being monitored at all levels. This was confirmed by the Head of Service of Lagos State Public Service, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola when he visited the site with the Body of Permanent Secretaries.
The publication by the said on line media is false and calculated to unjustly increase the pain of every one for the sake of sensationalism. Investigations made when this report was received revealed that the story is fake and made up. We however utilize this opportunity to restate our unequivocal resolve that no survivor should die and none should pay for any medical service required for comprehensive health care.
The State holds sacred its mandate to protect Lagosians and to secure their wellbeing with everything within its means. Even in this regard, we are still seeking ways of ameliorating the conditions of the affected people both in or outside government owned medical facilities.
However, in case any survivor believes that he or she is being surcharged or unjustly treated, he or she should feel free to report to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health on 08023049478 with the necessary proof.
As a government, the safety of lives and the well-being of citizens is of utmost importance to us and this is the main thrust of our social contract with the people.
We pray that sad events of this nature will not occur again and we promise that Lagos state Government will not rest on its oars in doing its best to ensure that such do not happen again.
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