Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has confirmed that eight people lost their lives in the fire incident that gutted the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building on December 24, describing the tragedy as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by unsafe practices around markets.
The governor, who visited the scene of the incident on Wednesday, expressed deep sympathy to the families of the victims and to residents and business owners whose livelihoods were affected by the inferno.
According to Sanwo-Olu, five of the deceased victims have so far been identified, while three remain unidentified. He added that 13 people have been rescued from the site since the incident.
To support affected persons and coordinate response efforts, the governor said an information centre has been established at the location, with officers from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and other relevant agencies on ground to provide assistance and information.
Sanwo-Olu warned that the area remains unsafe, stressing that all business and unauthorized activities have been suspended.
He announced the closure of the market, noting that only first responders are currently allowed access to the site as emergency teams continue careful search-and-rescue operations, particularly at the rear section of the collapsed building.
The governor attributed the scale of the disaster to hazardous practices, including the unsafe use of generators and the construction of shops close to power transformers, which he said significantly increased the risk in the area.
He further disclosed that following a comprehensive structural assessment, the GNI building would be demolished using the safest possible methods, adding that some surrounding structures would also have to be removed to prevent further danger.
“While these are difficult decisions, we must prioritize the safety of lives above all else,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor assured affected families and residents of the state government’s commitment to overseeing the recovery process and ensuring that necessary steps are taken to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.
