The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has called on members of the public to urgently report and register the names of relatives, friends, or colleagues who may be missing following the fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Martins Street, Lagos Island.
The appeal was made on Thursday by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Mr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, as rescue teams continue search and rescue operations at the site of the incident. He said the move is important to properly account for everyone who may have been affected by the fire and the partial collapse of the building.
According to him, there are concerns that some people may have been trapped under the collapsed section of the building, making it necessary for families and employers to come forward with useful information.
“The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency wishes to reassure the public that search and rescue operations are ongoing,” Oke-Osanyintolu said. “Our trained responders, supported by specialised equipment, are working tirelessly to ensure that all affected areas are fully assessed and that no one is left unaccounted for.”
The fire outbreak occurred at the GNI House, a multi-storey commercial building located on Martins Street, a busy part of Lagos Island known for offices, trading activities, and heavy human traffic. The building houses offices and business spaces, and is usually active during working hours.
Although the cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed, eyewitnesses said the incident caused panic in the area, forcing workers, traders, and passers-by to run for safety. Thick smoke was seen rising from the building, while emergency sirens echoed through nearby streets.
Parts of the building were reported to have collapsed during the fire, raising fears that some occupants or nearby persons could have been trapped inside. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and began rescue operations.
LASEMA has now asked families, companies, and members of the public who have been unable to reach their loved ones since the incident to visit the LASEMA Complaints Unit at the scene of the fire.
Oke-Osanyintolu explained that those who believe their relatives or colleagues were in or around the GNI building at the time of the fire should formally register their concerns. This, he said, will help emergency teams to properly identify missing persons and guide rescue efforts.
“Anyone unable to reach relatives, colleagues, or loved ones believed to have been in or around the building during the fire should visit the LASEMA Complaints Unit at the scene to register their concerns,” he said.
He added that information collected from families and organisations will be carefully verified and used to compile a consolidated list of missing persons. This list, according to him, will support rescue operations and help with identification where necessary.
The LASEMA boss said rescue work is still ongoing, with trained personnel using specialised tools to search through affected areas of the building. He assured Lagos residents that the agency is committed to ensuring that no one is overlooked.
He noted that emergency responders are working under difficult conditions but remain focused on saving lives and providing accurate information to the public.
LASEMA is also working closely with other emergency agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, health workers, security agencies, and other first responders. This collaboration, Oke-Osanyintolu said, is to ensure an organised and thorough operation.
He also assured that injured persons, if any, would receive prompt medical attention, while proper procedures would be followed in handling the situation.
The Permanent Secretary urged members of the public to cooperate fully with emergency workers at the scene. He advised residents to avoid spreading unverified information or rumours that could cause panic.
He also warned against crowding the area, saying it could disrupt rescue efforts and put more lives at risk.
“We appeal to the public to cooperate with emergency responders as they carry out their duties,” he said. “This is important for the safety of everyone involved and for the success of the rescue operation.”
LASEMA officials said registering missing persons does not mean such individuals have been confirmed dead or trapped, but it helps narrow down the search and ensures accountability.
They also stressed that all information provided will be treated carefully and used strictly for rescue and identification purposes.
Lagos Island is one of the oldest and busiest commercial centres in Lagos State. The area is known for its dense buildings, narrow roads, and high population during business hours. These factors often make emergency response challenging, especially during fires.
In the past, Lagos has recorded several fire incidents in commercial buildings, markets, and offices, many of which were linked to electrical faults, poor safety standards, or lack of maintenance. Authorities have continued to urge building owners and occupants to follow safety guidelines and ensure regular checks on electrical systems.
The state government has also been working to improve emergency response through agencies like LASEMA, investing in equipment, training, and coordination among responders.
Oke-Osanyintolu reassured Lagos residents that updates would continue to be provided as rescue operations progress. He said transparency remains a key priority for the agency, especially in situations involving public safety.
He urged residents to rely on official information from LASEMA and other government agencies, rather than social media speculation.
As search and rescue efforts continue at the GNI House, families and loved ones of those who may have been affected are encouraged to come forward and provide necessary details. Authorities say this collective effort will help ensure that everyone is properly accounted for and that the situation is handled with care and responsibility.