The landlord’s son, in whose care the collapsed three-storey building in the Ebute Metta area of Lagos State was entrusted, has said he gave the occupants of the building quit notice when he discovered the visible stress on it.

The caretaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told emergency responders and newsmen in Lagos on Monday that he was living in the building with other occupants when he noticed signs of distress.

He noted that he later left the building and rented an apartment in the same vicinity.

The caretaker added that the quit notice was handed over to the occupants which they failed to adhere to.

READ ALSO: Ebute Metta building collapse: Death toll rises to 8

He said he had not collected rental fees from the tenants for a long time since he had expected them to pack out.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had earlier disclosed that the death toll from the three-storey building which collapsed on Sunday night at about 10:56 p.m had risen to eight.

The Zonal Coordinator South-West, NEMA, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, revealed that the deceased persons included five males and three females, adding that 23 people were rescued alive.

He noted that rescue operations were ongoing at the site of the incident in search of occupants trapped under the rubble.

The Star