GNI House Inferno: Lagos Govt Breaks Silence on Christmas Eve Fire, Confirms Deaths, Rescues and Ongoing Forensic Search

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The Lagos State Government has released a comprehensive update on the devastating Christmas Eve fire at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, as it addressed rising public concern and speculation surrounding the incident.

In an official statement issued on Wednesday signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the government expressed deep condolences to families who lost loved ones in the tragic inferno, describing the incident as heartbreaking and assuring the public that it shares in the pain and anxiety of those affected.

The government disclosed that emergency response was activated immediately after the distress call was received. First responders drawn from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), security agencies and other emergency units were swiftly deployed to the scene.

According to the statement, rescue teams have remained on site since the outbreak, conducting coordinated search, rescue and safety operations in strict compliance with internationally accepted emergency response standards. The government stressed that the operation, supported by detailed forensic and structural assessments, will continue until all recovery efforts are fully concluded.

Providing an official casualty update as of Wednesday morning, the Lagos State Government confirmed the following:
Eight adult males, including a firefighter, were rescued with varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical care.

Three adult males and two adult females sustained minor injuries, were treated with first aid on site and subsequently discharged.
One adult female was recovered dead from the rubble.
Two adult males were also extricated during the operation.
Three persons suffered severe burns.

The government appealed to members of the public, affected families and stakeholders to remain calm, exercise restraint and avoid spreading unverified information capable of escalating public anxiety or undermining the ongoing rescue and investigation efforts.

Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Lagos State Government assured residents that the tragic incident is being handled with professionalism, transparency and urgency.

It added that further updates would be communicated through official and appropriate channels.