Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has confirmed that eight individuals misplaced their lives within the devastating fireplace that engulfed the Nice Nigeria Insurance coverage (GNI) Home on Lagos Island.
The hearth broke out on December 24, 2025 on the 25-storey high-rise situated at 47/57 Martins Road. Rescue and restoration operations have been ongoing for the reason that incident.
In an X submit on Friday, Governor Sanwo-Olu confirmed that 5 victims have been recognized, whereas three stay unidentified because of the severity of their burns.
“My deepest sympathies stay with the households who misplaced family members and with everybody whose houses and companies have been affected. I do know that no phrases can absolutely ease the ache they’re going via.
“As of at the moment, we now have confirmed eight deaths. 5 victims have been recognized, whereas three stay unidentified. 13 individuals have been rescued to this point,” he stated.
The governor stated an info centre has been set as much as help the general public, the realm has been closed for security causes, and emergency groups are nonetheless looking the rubble for attainable survivors.
“We have now established an info heart on the website. Anybody requiring help or info can communicate with officers from LASEMA, NEMA, LASBCA, and the opposite responding businesses.
“Your complete space stays unsafe. No enterprise or unauthorized exercise ought to be happening there. The market is closed, and solely first responders are permitted on the positioning. Emergency groups proceed to work fastidiously via the rubble, significantly on the rear of the constructing, to make sure nobody stays trapped.
“Your complete space stays unsafe. No enterprise or unauthorized exercise ought to be happening there. The market is closed, and solely first responders are permitted on the positioning. Emergency groups proceed to work fastidiously via the rubble, significantly on the rear of the constructing, to make sure nobody stays trapped,” he stated.
Following a structural evaluation, Governor Sanwo-Olu has ordered a phased, managed demolition of the GNI constructing as a consequence of collapse dangers.
He stated some surrounding buildings may even be eliminated to guard public security.
“This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the risks posed by sure practices across the market. The unsafe use of turbines and the development of retailers round transformers considerably elevated the dangers on this space,” he stated.
“My coronary heart is with each household affected. I stay dedicated to overseeing the restoration course of and guaranteeing we do proper by our individuals,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated.
Preliminary investigations counsel the hearth was attributable to human error, particularly unsafe generator use and refuelling on completely different flooring.
The hearth was additional intensified by flamable supplies saved within the constructing, which had been transformed into warehouses. Structural weaknesses have been additionally reported, with a piece of the constructing collapsing through the fireplace, trapping a number of victims.
