LAGOS – The Lagos State Government has indefinitely sealed Purple Mall in Lekki following a tragic incident in the mall’s parking lot that led to the death of a young Nigerian.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, prompted swift action from the state’s Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
In a statement released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the closure, stating it was necessary to ensure public safety and launch a comprehensive investigation.
According to Wahab, a specialised investigation team has been constituted to probe the cause of the incident. The team will assess the mall’s adherence to safety and building regulations and examine possible environmental or structural breaches.
“This heartbreaking accident was entirely preventable,” Wahab said. “We will ensure full accountability and implement all necessary measures to prevent future occurrences. Lagosians deserve safe public spaces, and we will not compromise on this.”
He extended condolences to the victim’s family and assured residents that the government is taking firm steps to prevent a recurrence.
The commissioner added that the public would be kept updated as the investigation progresses, and reiterated the state’s commitment to enforcing strict environmental and safety standards across all commercial and public infrastructure.