Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has visited the site of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building that was destroyed by a devastating fire on December 24, expressing deep sympathy with families who lost loved ones and residents whose homes and businesses were affected by the tragedy.
Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the incident, the governor confirmed that eight deaths have so far been recorded. According to him, five of the victims have been identified, while three remain unidentified. He added that 13 people were rescued alive from the scene through the efforts of emergency responders.
Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that an information and support centre has been established at the site to assist victims and members of the public seeking updates. Officers from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and other relevant agencies are on ground to provide necessary assistance.
He emphasized that the entire area remains unsafe and has been cordoned off, warning that no business or unauthorized activities should take place there. The governor announced the closure of the market around the affected area, stressing that only emergency and rescue personnel are permitted access as search-and-rescue operations continue.
According to him, emergency teams are carefully working through the rubble, particularly at the rear section of the building, to ensure that no one remains trapped beneath the debris.
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that preliminary findings point to dangerous practices around the market environment, including the unsafe use of generators and the construction of shops around electrical transformers, which significantly heightened the risk and severity of the incident.
He further revealed that following a comprehensive structural integrity assessment, the GNI building will be demolished using the safest available methods. Some surrounding structures will also be pulled down to prevent further danger to lives and property.
“While these are difficult decisions, the safety of lives must always come first,” the governor said.
Reaffirming the commitment of his administration, Sanwo-Olu assured affected families and residents that the state government would continue to oversee the recovery process and ensure that appropriate steps are taken to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy.
“My heart is with every family affected by this incident. We will do right by our people,” he added.
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