Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has confirmed eight fatalities from the devastating fire that engulfed the Great Nigeria Insurance building on December 24, announcing plans to demolish the structurally compromised structure.
During his second visit to the disaster site on Friday, Sanwo-Olu expressed condolences to bereaved families and affected residents, acknowledging that words cannot adequately address their grief.
The governor revealed that authorities have identified five of the eight deceased victims, while three remain unidentified. Emergency teams have successfully rescued 13 individuals, with recovery operations still underway at the scene.
“As of today, we have confirmed eight deaths. Five victims have been identified, while three remain unidentified. Thirteen people have been rescued so far,” Sanwo-Olu stated on X (formerly Twitter).
An information center has been established at the location to provide assistance to those seeking updates or support. Personnel from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and other response teams remain deployed at the site.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the entire area poses significant safety risks and ordered the closure of the surrounding market, with access limited exclusively to emergency responders. He warned against any unauthorized business activities or public access to the location while rescue teams continue searching through debris, particularly at the building’s rear section.
The governor attributed the incident partly to hazardous practices in the market vicinity, including improper generator usage and the construction of shops near electrical transformers, which he said substantially elevated fire risks.
Following comprehensive structural assessments, officials determined the GNI building must be demolished using the safest available methods. Sanwo-Olu indicated that several adjacent structures would also require removal to protect public safety.
“While these are difficult decisions, we must prioritize the safety of lives above all else,” the governor emphasized.
Sanwo-Olu pledged that the state government would maintain oversight of the recovery process and implement measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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