The Lagos State Government has confirmed that eight people lost their lives in the devastating fire that engulfed the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on Christmas Eve, marking one of the city’s deadliest fire incidents in recent years.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed the casualty figure on Friday during an on-site inspection of the burnt structure, nine days after the inferno, revealing that residual flames were still smouldering within parts of the building.
According to the governor, five of the victims have been formally identified, while three bodies were burnt beyond recognition, prompting the state to order DNA tests to establish their identities.
Sanwo-Olu confirmed that 13 people were rescued alive during the emergency, as search and recovery operations concluded with eight confirmed fatalities, a development he described as tragic and deeply distressing.
In response, the governor announced immediate safety measures, including the demolition of structurally compromised buildings within the affected zone, following detailed technical assessments by relevant agencies.
He said the fire, which he attributed to human error, spread to adjoining structures along Martins, Shitta and Breadfruit streets, raising serious concerns over safety practices, particularly the discovery of multiple generators installed on different floors of nearby commercial plazas.
Warning that such practices significantly heighten fire risks, Sanwo-Olu urged strict compliance with safety regulations, advising residents and traders to steer clear of the area as phased demolitions proceed, while emergency and security agencies maintain tight cordons.
The governor also revealed that the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has opened a help desk at the scene to document missing persons and support affected families, assuring the public that further updates would be provided as recovery operations and structural evaluations continue.
