A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday when a mosque on Yusuf Street, Papa Ajao, in the Ladipo area of Lagos State collapsed, resulting in three fatalities and seven injuries.

The mosque, bustling with worshippers including children, suddenly gave way just as prayers were about to commence.

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The collapse led to chaos and a desperate rescue effort by sympathizers and emergency responders who rushed to save those trapped under the debris.

According to eyewitnesses, the disaster occurred when an excavator, engaged in clearing silt from the drainages along the road, struck the mosque recklessly.

This impact caused the structure to collapse. The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, confirmed the tragic outcome and detailed the rescue efforts.

“Upon arrival at 1:40 PM, we discovered a collapsed storey building. Preliminary investigations indicated that an excavator, in the process of clearing the road, struck the mosque, leading to the collapse,” Dr. Oke-Osanyitolu reported.

Emergency services quickly mobilized to the scene. Four of the injured were transported to the hospital with varying degrees of injuries, while three others received treatment and were discharged on-site.

Unfortunately, three individuals were confirmed dead at the scene.

“One adult was recovered deceased, while others received pre-hospital care from our Pre-Hospital Care Unit,” he said.

“A total of ten people were trapped under the rubble, with one seriously injured victim transferred to the hospital.”

The response team was comprehensive, involving LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire Service, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), the Nigeria Police, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).

On Monday, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State visited the Sapphire Ceramics Company in Obinofia Ndiuno, Ezeagu LGA, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining a conducive business environment under his administration.

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Governor Mbah praised the company’s achievements as evidence of Enugu State’s improved business climate.

He reiterated his administration’s ambitious goal to elevate the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion and encouraged both local and international investors to capitalize on the state’s rich mineral resources.

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“This is a testament to our vision of fostering a government-enabled, private sector-driven economic growth,” said Mbah. “With Sapphire Ceramics producing 75,000 square meters of tiles daily and employing over 800 people, we are confident in our target of growing the state’s economy to $30 billion.”

Mbah assured continued support for businesses like Sapphire Ceramics, emphasizing the importance of creating policies that facilitate business expansion and job creation.

He highlighted key factors such as infrastructure, security, and a robust legal and regulatory framework as crucial elements in enhancing the ease of doing business in Enugu.

“Enugu is genuinely open for business. Our commitment is to not only provide a favorable environment but also to mitigate risks for investors, making Enugu a premier investment destination,” Mbah stated.

Mr. Wang Chengfang, Managing Director of Sapphire Ceramics, lauded the Mbah administration for its supportive policies and development initiatives.

He noted the company’s significant growth, having expanded its workforce from 300 to nearly 800 employees, despite economic challenges.

“We are honored to invest in Enugu State and contribute to its economic growth,” Chengfang said.

“Despite challenges such as an unstable Naira exchange rate, we are committed to enhancing our product quality and expanding our operations to create more jobs in Enugu.”

Chengfang called on potential investors to consider Enugu State for their ventures, highlighting the state’s abundant mineral resources and favorable business environment. He pledged Sapphire Ceramics’ continued cooperation with the state government to maximize these resources and support the state’s economic development.

“As part of our investment promotion efforts, we urge more Chinese companies to invest in Enugu State and support the ‘New Enugu City’ development plan,” Chengfang added.

The Enugu State chapter of the Labour Party has condemned the ongoing demolition of properties in the state, describing it as a “reign of madness”.

The party called on the government to urgently compensate victims who lost their properties.

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The criticism follows the state government’s demolition of marked shops, banks, motor parks, as well as houses around the Holy Ghost axis, among other areas, to make way for the construction of a modern transport system.

Addressing newsmen in Enugu on Monday, the State Chairman of the party, Barr. Casmir Agbo, described the demolition as unlawful and inhumane.

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“We have viewed with mixed feelings the demolition madness going on in Enugu State and came to a conclusion that it is being done as a matter of frustration and humiliation of PDP in the last General Elections in the hands of electorates in Enugu State.”

“How can someone be demolishing peoples properties in such a manner that defies logic. Where are the alternatives? What worries the Party most is that even those who are not happy with the insane nature of the act, will not speak because they belong to PDP or they are afraid of what might become the reaction of govt towards them.”

“We have always said it that the evil you support today will hunt and hurt you tomorrow. There is no sane govt that embark of destruction of people’s means of livelihood without providing another alternative for them. The govt that is supposed to fight crime is providing a veritable ground for crime and criminality through their inordinate policies. Labour Party therefore call on the govt of Enugu State to stop the spate of destruction going on in the state.”

“They should as a matter of urgency begin now to source for funds to pay the people for that illegality that is being carried out for whatever purpose it is meant. It is only the living that enjoys good Governance” he said

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