Residents of Ikorodu, Lagos State, yesterday called for the arrest and prosecution of the engineer responsible for a two-storey building that collapsed, leaving three people dead and 11 others rescued.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, also affected a neighbouring building housing the studio of Nigerian gospel singer Dare Melody.

The Guardian learnt that a parent lost two children, a boy aged 18 and a girl aged 12, in the collapse. The children, who had been living in a bungalow in front of the building, reportedly moved to the uncompleted structure to pray as they were unable to attend the mosque due to the Oro Festival being held in the area.

Residents alleged that the contractor used substandard materials for the construction, including 10 mm iron rods instead of the recommended 16 mm, on a 20-year-old foundation.

The owner of the building, identified as a member of the Osinwin family, is said to be abroad and reportedly sent money home for the construction.

Speaking to The Guardian, a resident, Olatunji Lamina, said: “The engineer is at fault. He did not use quality materials.

It’s evident that the right amount of cement was not used, and he used 10 mm iron instead of 16 mm. The blocks are weak, and it appears little attention was paid to the floor.

“The absent owner allows the engineer to do as he pleases. Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and other relevant agencies are being called upon to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the building collapse.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and emphasised the need for cooperation to prevent future tragedies.

The Secretary to the Ikorodu Local Council Area, Afini Adesina Lateef, also sympathised with the affected families and assured residents that the council would work with state authorities to address unsafe structures and collaborate on disaster management efforts.

Addressing concerns about the Oro Festival that prevented the two deceased children from leaving their home, Lateef said: “Oro is beyond the local government’s control. The Oba is in a good position to speak on it. Death is inevitable, but I want to assure you that the local government will do the needful and collaborate with the state government.”