Africa-Press – Nigeria. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, confirmed that eight people lost their lives in the fire that ravaged the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance, GNI, Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on Christmas Eve.
The governor announced immediate measures, including the demolition of structurally compromised buildings within the affected area.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that five of the victims have been identified, while three were severely charred beyond recognition.
DNA testing has been ordered to establish their identities.
The governor made the statement during an on-site assessment, nine days after the inferno, noting that residual flames were still visible.
He confirmed that 13 people were rescued alive during the disaster, while search and recovery operations have so far confirmed eight fatalities.
Describing the incident as tragic and deeply distressing, the governor led his team in observing a minute of silence in honor of the deceased.
He attributed the fire outbreak to human error and emphasised the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations in both commercial and residential buildings across the state.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the fire affected several adjacent structures along Martins, Shitta, and Breadfruit streets.
He highlighted the dangers posed by multiple generators discovered on different floors of nearby shopping plazas, warning that such practices significantly increase fire risks and endanger lives.
The governor made it clear that the government would take firm action, including the demolition of any building failing structural integrity assessments, following thorough technical evaluations.
Residents, traders, and passers-by were advised to avoid the area until phased and controlled demolition work is completed, with security agencies continuing to safeguard the site against secondary hazards.
Sanwo-Olu also urged business owners to prioritise human life over property during emergencies. He noted that some victims had initially been evacuated safely but returned to retrieve belongings, resulting in fatal entrapment.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, has established a help desk at the scene to register reports of missing persons whose businesses were located within the affected building.
LASEMA is coordinating with other emergency responders to ensure proper documentation and support for affected families.
The governor was accompanied on the inspection by Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso; Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde; LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu; General Manager of the Lagos Command and Control Centre, Femi Kennedy-Giwa; and other senior officials.
As of the governor’s visit, Martins Street remained closed to commercial activities, with security personnel and emergency teams maintaining strict cordons.
The state government assured residents that updates would be provided as recovery operations and structural evaluations continue.
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