The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency said the Christ Embassy church building located on Billings Way, Oregun, Ikeja in Lagos State, which was gutted by fire about 7:30 am on Sunday, will undergo integrity test.
The agency made this known through its Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu after getting reports of the fire incident, stressing the possibility of demolition of the building if it fails an integrity test, The Punch reports.
However, in response to the incident, the President and founder of LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy, Rev Chris Oyakhilome, during a live Sunday service at the church’s campground in Asese, Ogun State said that it would rebuild a better and bigger structure to replace the affected building.
Oke-Osanyintolu, commented on the incident while fielding questions from journalists at the scene of the fire incident on Sunday.
In his comment on the incident, Oke-Osanyintolu stated that the intensity of the fire had caused cracks in the wall of the building, which therefore required that an integrity test be conducted on the building.
“We have seen a lot of structural defects; there are cracks on the walls, and we are carrying out evacuation so that the place will be safe.
“We will ensure to subject the building to an integrity test where we can determine the next line of action. We cannot demolish at this moment until an integrity test is carried out. If it is not safe, then we will take the next action.
“We are working with the church, and they have been cooperating with us, which is why we were able to swiftly combat the fire. We have the structural design of the building with us, and we will investigate thoroughly to ascertain the cause of the fire,” he said.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, no casualty was recorded and an investigation had commenced into the cause of the fire.
The Director of LSFRS, Margaret Adeseye, in a statement on Sunday, added, “The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and investigations are underway to ascertain its origin.
“No casualties have been reported at this time. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
