The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered the demolition of the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, which was engulfed by fire on Wednesday.
Sanwo-Olu, who visited the scene of the incident on Thursday, sympathised with those impacted by the inferno, noting that the extent of the loss could not be reflected by mere reports.
He noted that up to 10 victims had been hospitalised, lamenting the persistent occurrence of fire outbreaks at the building.
“In the last couple of years, this same building has had fire incidents on one or two occasions, and it’s the same issue that we have noticed over the years,” the governor said.
“We’ve taken about seven to 10 persons to the hospital with the LASEMA ambulances that we have. You’ve seen that in the main building, there have been two partial collapses. So what you will see is that eventually we have to take down this entire building.
“I have set up a committee that will be headed by the Commissioner for Special Duties, who will bring forward the best mode for us to bring down the entire building within the shortest possible time.
“So that will happen in a couple of days from now, based on whatever world-class model of demolition we are advised to use.
“Unfortunately, this fire has affected about three other buildings around, especially at the other end. Two are heavily impacted, and about three others are partially impacted, so we are monitoring and watching,” the governor said.
The governor further pledged support for those impacted by the incident in a later post on X.
“We will continue to assess the situation and provide support to those who have been impacted. Lagos has always shown strength in difficult moments, and I believe we will get through this together,” the governor wrote.
The PUNCH reports that the fire incident, which began on Tuesday evening, lasted until Wednesday and affected several nearby structures, including the seven-storey Radio Nigeria building, the popular Oluwole Plaza, a mosque and other adjoining buildings.
The fire, which began around 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, reportedly originated from the fifth floor of the building before spreading to other floors.
