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By Lukman Olabiyi and Vera Wisdom Bassey
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has visited the scene of the fire outbreak at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.
The governor’s visit followed the fire outbreak late on Wednesday evening and drew emergency response teams, including firefighters and other safety agencies to the area.
As at the time of filing this report yesterday afternoon , the cause of the fire was yet- to- be ascertained.
Authorities confirmed that no life was lost in the incident, although about seven people were hospitalised after sustaining injuries.
Efforts were still ongoing to fully contain the fire and assess the extent of damage to the affected structures.
Addressing journalists at the scene, Sanwo-Olu announced the setting up of a probe committee to investigate the cause of the fire outbreak and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
He disclosed that the 25-storey building would be demolished due to the level of damage it sustained, once the inferno is completely extinguished.
According to the governor, the committee would be headed by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, who would also oversee the demolition exercise expected to take place in the coming days.
Sanwo-Olu commended first responders for their swift intervention, noting that their prompt action helped to avert loss of life.
He also sympathised with occupants and business owners, who lost their property in the incident, assuring them of the state government’s support and commitment to ensuring public safety.
The governor urged residents to be safety conscious, particularly during the dry season, noting that fire incidents have occurred repeatedly on Lagos Island.
He advised residents and traders to stay away from the affected area.
He added that all emergency responders would remain on ground to prevent a reoccurrence of the fire, while affected traders would be supported by the state government.
The fire, which started at the GNI Building located within the Balogun Market area, spread to adjoining structures, affecting more than 10 buildings.
When the scene was visited, traders in nearby buildings were seen evacuating goods in their shops.
Shops along Martins Street were shut, major adjoining roads were cordoned off by security agencies and business activities in the area were suspended to prevent further escalation.
Emergency agencies on ground include: the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Fire Service, and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who are jointly managing the incident.
