Kwara govt orders immediate demolition of unsafe building in Ilorin

By Ahmed Olayinka

The Kwara State Government has directed the immediate demolition of a dilapidated two-storey building in the Oke-Suna area of Ilorin East Local Government Area after declaring the structure unsafe and a potential danger to lives and property, THE PRIME NEWS reports.

The order was issued through the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA), which also sealed off the building following complaints from residents over fears that it could collapse at any time.

In a statement issued on Monday by the agency’s Press Secretary, Aliyu Amode, KWEPA said the action was taken after concerned members of the community reported the deteriorating condition of the building, prompting an emergency inspection by officials.

During the inspection, an elderly resident informed the agency that the community had on several occasions warned the property owner about the worsening state of the structure and urged necessary repairs. According to the resident, the owner allegedly ignored repeated appeals despite the obvious risks posed by the building.

Following the inspection, KWEPA General Manager, Jide Aina, declared the structure a serious public safety hazard and ordered the owner to begin its demolition without delay.

“The condition of the building constitutes a grave danger to public safety. The owner is hereby directed to commence its immediate demolition,” Aina stated.

He warned that the state government would not hesitate to intervene if the owner failed to comply with the directive.

“Failure to comply with this directive will leave the Kwara State Government with no option but to demolish the structure in the interest of protecting lives and property,” he said.

Aina reiterated the government’s commitment to preventing avoidable disasters through proactive environmental enforcement and strict adherence to safety standards.

He also urged residents to continue partnering with the government by promptly reporting abandoned buildings, distressed structures, environmental nuisances and other hazards to KWEPA for swift action.

According to him, the government’s timely intervention is aimed at protecting lives, preserving property, and preventing tragedies that could arise from unsafe structures across the state.