By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced that the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building gutted by fire on Lagos Island will be demolished once the blaze is completely extinguished.
The governor disclosed this on Thursday during an on-the-spot assessment of the incident at Martins Street, Lagos Island. He said a committee chaired by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Gbenga Oyerinde, has been constituted to oversee the demolition exercise, which is expected to commence in the coming days.
Sanwo-Olu confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident, adding that those who sustained serious injuries have been taken to hospital for treatment. He noted that about seven people were hospitalised as a result of the fire.
The governor urged residents and traders to be safety-conscious, particularly during the dry season, noting that this was not the first fire incident recorded on Lagos Island. He advised members of the public to stay away from the affected area to ensure their safety.
He also assured that first responders would remain at the scene to prevent a recurrence of the fire, while the state government would provide support to traders affected by the incident.
The fire, which broke out late Wednesday, started at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House located within the Balogun Market area and spread to at least five surrounding buildings. By Thursday, traders in neighbouring buildings were seen evacuating their shops.
Authorities have shut all shops along Martins Street, cordoned off major adjoining roads, and suspended business activities in the area to prevent further escalation.
Emergency response efforts are being coordinated by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Fire Service, and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
