LASEMA raises alarm as Lagos Island fire escalates

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has ordered residents and traders around Martins Street on Lagos Island to evacuate immediately following the escalation of a fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria Insurance House.

The directive was issued on Wednesday night by LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, after an on-the-spot assessment of the incident.

The fire reportedly started around 5:00 p.m. on the fourth floor of the 22-storey building before spreading rapidly to several other floors. Emergency responders are still battling the inferno, while rescue operations remain ongoing. As of the time of filing this report, the number of casualties had yet to be confirmed.

According to Oke-Osanyintolu, preliminary findings from LASEMA officials at the scene indicate that the blaze has intensified, posing serious risks to lives, nearby structures and members of the public.

“Preliminary assessments from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency team at the scene of the fire outbreak at the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, indicate that the fire has escalated rapidly across multiple floors, posing significant risks to lives, adjoining buildings and the safety of members of the public within the surrounding perimeter,” he said.

He warned that continued presence in the area could lead to casualties from smoke inhalation, structural failure or further spread of the fire.

“Due to the escalating nature of the fire, residents, traders, occupants of neighbouring buildings and members of the public within the immediate and extended vicinity of the affected plaza are hereby strongly advised to evacuate the area immediately,” Oke-Osanyintolu added.

While firefighting efforts continue, the LASEMA boss urged the public to remain calm, avoid the affected area and comply fully with directives from emergency and security personnel.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm and orderly during evacuation, avoid returning to the affected area until officially cleared, refrain from obstructing emergency operations and strictly follow instructions from emergency and security personnel on the ground,” he said.

He assured residents that the agency would provide regular updates as rescue and fire suppression efforts progress, reiterating LASEMA’s commitment to the protection of lives and property.