Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has confirmed that eight people died in the Christmas Eve fire that engulfed the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.

During an on-site assessment nine days after the blaze, the governor said five victims have been identified, while three were severely charred beyond recognition. DNA testing has been ordered to confirm their identities.

Thirteen people were rescued alive, and search operations have so far confirmed the eight fatalities. Sanwo-Olu described the incident as “tragic and deeply distressing,” leading a minute of silence in honor of the deceased.

The governor attributed the fire to human error and warned against unsafe practices, including the use of multiple generators in buildings, which increase fire risks. He announced that structurally compromised buildings in the area would be demolished after technical evaluations and urged residents and traders to prioritize human life over property during emergencies.

The fire affected several adjacent structures along Martins, Shitta, and Breadfruit streets. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has set up a help desk for families of missing persons and is coordinating support for affected businesses.

Governor Sanwo-Olu was accompanied by senior officials, including Commissioners Gbenga Omotoso and Gbenga Oyerinde, as well as LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu. Martins Street remains closed while recovery and demolition work continues, with security maintained at the site.