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Sanwo-Olu calls for calm after GNI building fire outbreak
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged residents of the state to remain calm following a fire incident at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said in a statement on Thursday that no casualty was recorded in the incident, while the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained.
Omotoso said that the governor, who had been personally monitoring the situation since the incident was reported, immediately directed the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, to intensify response efforts and ensure evacuation of adjoining buildings.
According to him, the distress call was received at about 4:41 p.m., prompting an immediate response from fire crews at the Ebute Elefun and Dolphin Fire Stations, with reinforcement from the Sari Iganmu Fire Station and the Alausa Headquarters.
“The firefighters arrived at the scene within 12 minutes, at about 4:53 p.m., and commenced coordinated containment operations,” he said.
He added that preliminary reports indicated that the fire started from the fifth floor of the building before spreading to other levels.
The commissioner explained that the affected structure, which was formerly used as corporate office space, currently serves mainly as a warehouse and retail outlet for clothing materials.
Omotoso said that the governor remained in constant communication with emergency responders and security agencies well into the early hours of the morning.
“As at about 3:40 a.m., when the fire had largely been brought under control, the governor was still receiving updates and issuing directives.
“Our priority is the safety of lives; I have directed that the building and its surroundings be thoroughly secured, and that emergency personnel must ensure that no one is left inside,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also commended firefighters and first responders for their swift and courageous response, assuring Lagosians that the situation is under control.
“Lagosians should remain calm; The situation is under control,” he said.
Omotoso added that security agencies had been deployed to cordon off the area, while first responders continued safety assessments to prevent any secondary incidents.
He assured residents that the Lagos State Government remains fully on top of the situation and would provide further updates as necessary.
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