Following the severe fire incident that destroyed the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on Wednesday, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on residents to remain calm as emergency teams continue rescue efforts.
As at the time of reporting, no fatalities have been recorded, and the cause of the incident has not yet been determined.
Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu is expected to visit the location for an on-the-spot assessment, as well as to oversee further rescue operations and extend assistance to victims.
The Governor, who has been closely monitoring developments since the incident was first reported, immediately instructed the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to strengthen response operations and ensure the evacuation of nearby buildings to safeguard public safety.
It should be recalled that when the emergency call was received at 4:41 p.m., fire units from Ebute Elefun and Dolphin Fire Stations arrived swiftly, with additional support from Sari Iganmu Fire Station and the Alausa Headquarters. Firefighters reached the scene within 12 minutes, at 4:53 p.m., and began coordinated containment operations.
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, LASEMA, initial findings indicate that the fire originated on the fifth floor of the structure before extending to other floors.
The affected building, which was previously used as a corporate office facility, is now largely utilised as a warehouse and retail outlet for clothing materials.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, in a statement on Thursday, said, “Governor Sanwo-Olu remained in constant communication with emergency responders and security agencies well into the early hours of the morning.
“As at 3:40 a.m., when the fire had largely subsided, the Governor was still receiving updates and giving directives.
“He specifically instructed that no individual must be left behind in the building, emphasising the primacy of human life over property.
“Our priority is the safety of lives. I have directed that the building and its surroundings be thoroughly secured and that emergency personnel must ensure that no one is left inside.”
He praised the firefighters and first responders for their prompt and brave intervention. “Lagosians should remain calm; the situation is under control.
“Security agencies have been deployed to cordon off the area, while first responders continue to conduct safety assessments to prevent secondary incidents,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
The Governor, therefore, assured residents that the government remains fully in control of the situation and will continue to provide updates when necessary.
