Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has confirmed that eight people died in the fire that gutted the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on Christmas Eve.
Speaking during an on-site assessment on Friday, nine days after the incident, the governor said five of the victims have been identified, while three were burnt beyond recognition. He added that DNA tests have been ordered to establish the identities of the remaining victims.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that 13 people were rescued alive during the inferno and that search and recovery operations have now confirmed eight fatalities. He noted that residual flames were still visible at the site during his visit.
Describing the incident as tragic, the governor and his team observed a minute of silence in honour of those who lost their lives. He attributed the outbreak to human error and stressed the need for strict compliance with safety regulations in both commercial and residential buildings.
The fire, he said, affected several adjoining structures along Martins, Shitta and Breadfruit streets. He raised concerns over the discovery of multiple generators on different floors of nearby shopping plazas, warning that such practices significantly increase fire risks.
Sanwo-Olu announced that buildings found to be structurally unsafe would be demolished following thorough technical assessments. Residents, traders and passers-by were advised to stay away from the area as phased demolition and safety operations continue.
He also cautioned business owners to prioritise safety during emergencies, noting that some victims were initially evacuated but later returned to retrieve personal belongings and became trapped.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has set up a help desk at the scene to register reports of missing persons and coordinate support for affected families. Martins Street remains closed to commercial activities as security agencies maintain a cordon around the area.
