The devastating fire that swept up the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Lagos Island claimed the lives of eight people, according to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The 25-story high-rise at 47/57 Martins Street was in flames on December 24, 2025. Since the incident, there have been ongoing rescue and recovery operations.
Governor Sanwo-Olu confirmed that five victims have been identified in an X post on Friday, while three have not been because of the severity of their burns.
“I have a deep sympathy for the families who lost loved ones and for everyone whose homes and businesses have been impacted. I am aware of how much they are suffering as a whole.
We have confirmed eight deaths as of right now. Three victims remain unidentified, while five have been identified. He claimed that so far there have been 19 rescues.
The governor claimed that there is still work being done to locate potential survivors in the rubble and that an information center has been set up to assist the public.
The location has a new information center, according to the company. Anyone who needs assistance or information should contact LASEMA, NEMA, LASBCA, and the other responding agencies.
“The entire region is still unsafe. There shouldn’t be any business or unlicensed activity there. Only first responders are permitted on the site because the market is closed. Emergency teams work diligently through the rubble, particularly at the rear of the building, to prevent anyone from falling into it.
The entire area is still dangerous. There shouldn’t be any business or unlicensed activity there. Only first responders are permitted on the site because the market is closed. He said emergency teams are diligently digging through the rubble to prevent anyone from getting trapped, particularly at the rear of the building.
Due to the risk of collapse, Governor Sanwo-Olu has ordered a gradual, controlled demolition of the GNI building following a structural review.
He added that some of the surrounding structures will be destroyed in order to protect the public.
This tragedy serves as a gratifying reminder of the risks that some market practices can pose. The risks in this area were significantly increased by the unsafe use of generators and the construction of shops close to transformers, he said.
Every family that is impacted by this has my heart. Governor Sanwo-Olu stated, “I continue to be committed to overseeing the recovery process and making sure we do right by our citizens.”
According to preliminary investigations, the fire was brought on by human error, with particular unsafe generator use and refueling on various floors.
Combustible materials kept in the building’s converted warehouses, increasing the fire even more. Additionally, structural flaws were discovered, with several victims being rescued when a portion of the building collapsed during the fire.
Source: Channels TV
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