The 2027 African Democratic Congress governorship candidate for Kwara State, Rt. Hon. Zakari Mohammed, has expressed deep sympathy to the victims and families affected by the building collapse that occurred in the Popo Giwa community, which reportedly claimed lives, left others injured and caused significant damage to property.
Mohammed, in a condolence message, described the incident as a tragic and distressing development, extending his thoughts and prayers to the families of those who lost their lives, the injured and residents whose homes, businesses and livelihoods were affected by the collapse.
He prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and asked the Almighty to grant strength and comfort to families mourning their loved ones, as well as those who suffered material losses.
The governorship candidate also commended the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency, the Kwara State Fire Service and other emergency and rescue personnel for their swift response to the disaster.
According to him, the prompt intervention of the emergency teams demonstrated the critical importance of maintaining well-equipped, properly coordinated and responsive emergency institutions capable of saving lives during disasters.
He described the courage and professionalism of the rescue personnel as commendable, saying their intervention helped prevent the building collapse from resulting in an even greater catastrophe.
Mohammed, however, said the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for stronger enforcement of building safety standards and greater attention to structural integrity across Kwara State.
He urged property owners, developers, community leaders, residents and relevant government authorities to take proactive measures to identify and address buildings that have become structurally weak, damaged or unsafe.
He particularly called on residents to promptly report cracks, leaning walls, weakened foundations and other visible signs of structural distress to the appropriate authorities before such defects escalate into disasters.
“The protection of human lives must always come before property. Prevention is better than waiting for tragedy to strike before we act.”
Mohammed stressed that preventing building-related disasters required collective responsibility and stronger collaboration between government agencies, professionals, property owners and communities.
He called for increased public awareness, regular structural assessments and timely intervention in buildings suspected to pose risks to occupants and members of the public.
The ADC governorship candidate reaffirmed his commitment to a Kwara State where the safety, dignity, welfare and wellbeing of residents remain central to governance.
He expressed solidarity with the people of Popo Giwa and the entire Kwara community, praying for the repose of the souls of those who died, speedy recovery for the injured and comfort for families who lost loved ones and property in the tragedy.
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