Governor of Lagps State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has confirmed that eight persons died in the fire that ravaged the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance, GNI, Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on the eve of Christmas day.
Sanwo-Olu announced swift measures, including the demolition of structurally compromised buildings within the affected area.
The governor said that five of the victims have been identified, while three were severely charred beyond recognition.
DNA testing has been ordered to determine their identities.
Sanwo-Olu said this during an on-site assessment, nine days after the inferno, noting that residual flames were still visible.
He confirmed that 13 people were rescued alive during the disaster, while search and recovery operations have so far confirmed eight fatalities.
Describing the incident as tragic and deeply distressing, the governor led his team in observing a minute of silence in honor of the deceased.
He attributed the fire outbreak to human error and emphasised the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations in both commercial and residential buildings across the state.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the fire affected several adjacent structures along Martins, Shitta, and Breadfruit streets.
He highlighted the dangers posed by multiple generators discovered on different floors of nearby shopping plazas, warning that such practices significantly increase fire risks and endanger lives.
The governor made it clear that the government would take firm action, including the demolition of any building failing structural integrity assessments, following thorough technical evaluations.
