AccordinfTHE Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed a controlled demolition of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, in the aftermath of a devastating Christmas Eve fire that ravaged the building.
According to a post on his X account on Friday, the governor confirmed that eight people lost their lives in the fire, with five victims identified and three still unidentified. According to the post, 13 people have been rescued so far.
Speaking at the site, Mr Sanwo-Olu extended his condolences to families affected by the tragedy and urged everyone to comply with safety directives.
“No business or unauthorized activity should be taking place there. The area remains unsafe, and only first responders are permitted on the site,” he ordered.
“Emergency teams continue to work carefully through the rubble, particularly at the rear of the building, to ensure no one remains trapped,” he added.
An information center has been set up, staffed by officers from LASEMA, NEMA, and LASBCA, to provide assistance and updates to the public, he noted.
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“Following a full structural review, the GNI building will be demolished using the safest possible methods. Some surrounding buildings must also be removed. While these are difficult decisions, we must prioritize the safety of lives above all else,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu assured Lagosians that the government remains committed to overseeing the recovery process and supporting affected families. “My heart is with every family affected. Safety must come first,” he further said.
He stressed that the tragedy served as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by certain practices around the market, noting that unsafe use of generators and the construction of shops around transformers significantly increased the risks in this area.
Fire service saves N1.5bn building in Abuja
Meanwhile, the Federal Fire Service (FFS) said it saved property valued at about N1.5 billion in Abuja following rapid responses to a series of fire outbreaks recorded across the country in the early hours of January 1, 2026.
Firefighters nationwide were on full operational alert under a no-leave directive issued by Controller-General Olumide Adeyemi, a measure introduced ahead of the festive season to boost readiness during a period traditionally associated with increased fire incident
In a statement signed by Head of Corporate Services at the FFS Headquarters, Mr P.O. Abraham, the Service said the first recorded fire incident of 2026 occurred at about 12:23 a.m. at Cake Hot Restaurant inside River Plate Park, Wuse, Abuja.
Firemen from the Federal Fire Service, working with their counterparts from the FCT Fire Service, contained the blaze before it escalated. Although part of the restaurant garden was affected, no lives were lost and no injuries were reported.
The Service said losses from the incident were estimated at about N500 million, while property worth roughly N1.5 billion was saved. Preliminary findings linked the fire to objects thrown during New Year celebrations, reinforcing earlier warnings against the use of fireworks and similar materials, particularly during the harmattan season, when dry conditions heighten fire risk.
The Service also cautioned Nigerians to guard against electrical faults and power surges by switching off and unplugging appliances when not in use, avoiding overloaded sockets, and exercising greater vigilance during festivities.
Beyond Abuja, firefighters were also deployed to incidents across the nation, underscoring the importance of full manpower during peak-risk periods.
There were, however, fatalities. In Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, a fire involving a wooden residential structure resulted in the death of an 11-year-old child. While property worth about N10 million was saved, losses were estimated at20 million. Investigators linked the fire to an unattended candle.
Describing the incident as painful and avoidable, the Fire Service stressed that many fires resulted from everyday actions that could be prevented through simple caution and strict adherence to safety guidelines.
Mr Adeyemi condoled with the bereaved family in Yenagoa and sympathised with the Abuja restaurant owner. He again urged Nigerians to heed harmattan fire safety advisories — avoid fireworks and open flames indoors, unplug unused appliances, remain alert during celebrations, and report fire outbreaks immediately.
Members of the public were advised to contact the Federal Fire Service via its emergency line, 08032005737, or report to the nearest fire station.
“As we have seen from Abuja to Yenagoa, fire can break out in seconds. But with vigilance and adherence to basic safety measures, many of these incidents are preventable. Lives and livelihoods must always come before celebrations,” Adeyemi warned.
