The Lagos State Government has warned against the spread of speculation that may heighten public anxiety over the fire incident that occurred at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on Christmas Eve.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said in a statement on Thursday that the government had taken note of some speculations and assertions concerning the incident.
Omotoso conveyed the government’s sympathy to those who lost their loved ones in the incident, saying, “We feel their pain and understand their anxiety.”
He reiterated that as soon as the fire alarm was received on the day, the government deployed teams of first responders to the scene, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Ambulance Services, security agencies, and other emergency and safety units.
Omotoso said the teams had also remained on site, conducting systematic search, rescue, and safety operations in line with internationally accepted emergency response protocols.
Giving an update on the incident, Omotoso said, “As of this morning, the total number of victims is eight males (including a fireman) rescued with varying degrees of injury and taken to the hospital. “Three males and two females who sustained minor injuries were administered first aid and thereafter released at the scene. One adult female was extricated dead from the rubble; two adult males were extricated, and three persons were burnt.”
The government appealed to the public, affected families, and all stakeholders to exercise patience, restraint, and sensitivity, and to refrain from spreading speculation that could heighten public anxiety or undermine ongoing operations.
