By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday confirmed that eight people lost their lives in the Christmas Eve fire at the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, while 13 others were rescued alive.
The governor, who returned to the scene to assess ongoing emergency operations, said three of the victims were burnt beyond recognition. He disclosed that five bodies had been identified by their families, while DNA tests would be conducted to establish the identities of the three charred bodies.
Firefighters and emergency responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other security agencies remained at the site, combing through the debris for possible survivors.
After inspecting the fire scene, Sanwo-Olu toured adjoining streets within the Balogun Market to assess surrounding high-rise buildings. He noted widespread violations of building regulations, describing the level of non-compliance as alarming, and directed a comprehensive regeneration of the market.
According to the governor, preliminary observations showed that many buildings in the market were structurally distressed, with numerous safety breaches, including industrial generators placed on upper floors, unapproved structural alterations, and shops located dangerously close to electric transformers.
He said the state government would carry out a professional assessment of all buildings in the market and warned that authorities would no longer tolerate disregard for safety regulations.
“Lives have been lost, properties destroyed, and livelihoods shattered. We will not sit back and allow lawlessness to continue,” Sanwo-Olu said, adding that the regeneration of the area, though a difficult decision, was necessary to protect lives and property.
The governor also addressed reports of missing persons, assuring families that emergency teams would continue search-and-rescue operations. He expressed regret over the fatalities, noting that some occupants ignored evacuation orders while attempting to salvage goods.
Sanwo-Olu further explained that trading activities in unapproved areas had obstructed access routes, delaying the arrival of emergency responders.
He designated the location as an “active site” and directed that all shops and buildings within a 100-metre radius of the fire scene remain closed until further notice, citing safety concerns. Emergency agencies, including LASEMA, NEMA, the police, Department of State Services, the Army, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and the Central Business District Office, will continue operations at the site and assist affected families.
