JUST IN: Two more bodies recovered from Ikoyi collapsed building, death toll now 45

Two more bodies have been recovered from the rubbles of the collapsed 21-storey building that collapsed in Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, Lagos State, last week, bringing the death toll to 45.

The Lagos State government, through its Commissioner for Information, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, annouced the recovery of the two more bodies while giving update on the incident on Wednesday night in a statement.

According to the state government, “two more bodies were recovered from the site on Wednesday. The recovery of the two bodies has brought to 45 the number of bodies retrieved from the site.”

Tthe government also dispelled the report that it had given directive for the demolition of the two high-rise buildings standing at the site of the collapsed building.

According to the statement: “Contrary to speculations, no directive has been given for the demolition of the two high-rise buildings standing at the site of the 21-storey collapsed building in Ikoyi, Lagos.

“The Panel of Inquiry instituted into the collapse of the building has continued to sit and an integrity test is yet to be conducted on the two buildings. It is, therefore, wrong to assert or speculate that the buildings will be demolished.

The operation at the site of the collapsed building continues. Vehicular movement around the site has been smooth following the reopening of the road.

“Two more bodies were recovered from the site today. The recovery of the two bodies has brought to 45 the number of bodies retrieved from the site.

“The identification of bodies of the victims of the incident has continued at IDH, Yaba, Lagos Mainland. Thirty-two families have come forward to submit samples for DNA to identify bodies that they wish to claim.

“In cases where identification is clear and there are no arguments, the bodies will be released to the families.

“A committee to supervise the identification and release of the bodies has begun work. It comprises senior officials of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Justice.”