The Kwara State Government has ordered the immediate demolition of a dilapidated two-storey building in the Oke-Suna area of Ilorin East Local Government Area after declaring it structurally unsafe and a threat to lives and property.

The building has also been sealed by the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) following complaints from residents that it was at risk of imminent collapse.

In a statement issued on Monday by KWEPA’s Press Secretary, Aliyu Amode, the agency said the action followed reports from members of the community, prompting an emergency inspection to prevent a possible disaster.

During the inspection, an elderly resident told officials that the building’s owner had been repeatedly warned by community members about its deteriorating condition but allegedly failed to carry out repairs.

KWEPA General Manager, Jide Aina, described the structure as a serious public safety risk and directed the owner to begin its immediate demolition.

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

He warned that the state government would demolish the building if the owner failed to comply with the directive, stressing that the action was necessary to protect lives and property.

Aina reaffirmed the government’s commitment to proactive environmental enforcement and urged residents to report abandoned buildings, distressed structures and other environmental hazards to KWEPA for prompt intervention.