By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja
The Lagos State Government has commenced an official enumeration exercise for victims and affected families of the tragic fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Martins Street, Lagos Island.
The exercise, announced by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), is part of ongoing post-disaster recovery efforts following the incident, which occurred on the eve of Christmas 2025.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the enumeration started today and will run until February 13, 2026.
Relatives of victims and individuals impacted by the fire have been directed to report to the Adeyemi Bero Centre at the Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, for registration.
According to the agency, the process is critical for proper documentation, recovery support, and necessary follow-up actions for those affected.
“The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with NEMA, wishes to inform the public that as part of ongoing post-incident recovery activities following the Great Nigeria Insurance House fire on Martins Street, a victim enumeration exercise has been scheduled,” the statement read.
“Relatives of victims and individuals affected are requested to present themselves for enumeration. This exercise is essential for documentation, recovery support, and appropriate follow-up actions. Members of the public are encouraged to cooperate fully with officials.”
Casualties and Recovery Efforts
The devastating blaze razed parts of the 25-storey commercial building, leaving at least 12 people confirmed dead.
Emergency authorities disclosed that recovered bodies have been documented and transferred to the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for forensic identification and dignified handling.
At the time of the initial response, the state governor confirmed that five victims had been identified, while three others were still missing. Search and rescue teams continued combing through the debris to ensure no one remained trapped.
Safety Concerns and Government Measures
In response to the disaster, the government temporarily closed nearby markets and restricted access to emergency personnel to ease rescue operations.
The governor described the tragedy as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unsafe practices around commercial buildings, including improper generator usage and shops built too close to electrical transformers.
He pledged to personally oversee the recovery process and warned that surrounding unsafe structures may be demolished to prevent future hazards.
Authorities say further updates will be communicated as recovery operations continue.
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