The Lagos State Government has confirmed that casualties were recorded in the Christmas Eve fire outbreak at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House (GNI) located on Martins Street, Lagos Island, while rescue and recovery operations are still ongoing.

In a statement titled “RE: GNI HOUSE FIRE,” the state government said emergency response began immediately after distress alerts were received. The statement was signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.

The government said it was responding to public speculations surrounding the incident and offered condolences to families who lost loved ones in the inferno. It assured affected residents that their pain and anxiety were fully acknowledged.

According to the statement, emergency teams comprising the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), security agencies, and other safety units were swiftly deployed to the scene.

The government explained that the responders have remained on site, carrying out coordinated search, rescue, and safety operations in line with internationally accepted emergency protocols. It added that the teams would continue working until all recovery efforts, including forensic assessments, are completed.

Providing an update on casualties as of Thursday morning, the government disclosed that eight males, including a firefighter, were rescued with varying degrees of injuries and taken to hospitals for treatment. Three males and two females with minor injuries were treated at the scene and later discharged.

The statement further revealed that one adult female was recovered dead from the rubble, while two adult males were extricated alive. It also confirmed that three persons sustained severe burns during the incident.

The Lagos State Government appealed to the public and affected families to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could worsen public anxiety or disrupt rescue efforts. It reassured residents of its commitment to ensuring safety and managing the incident professionally.

The government added that further updates would be communicated through official channels.

Earlier reports had indicated that multiple bodies were recovered from the building following a partial collapse, which caused panic in the busy commercial area. Videos from the scene showed emergency responders working amid smoke and debris as the fire continued to smoulder days after the initial outbreak.

Eyewitnesses said the prolonged fire and subsequent collapse caused fear among residents and nearby businesses.