Lagos Plaza Fire: LASEMA Compiles Names of Missing Persons

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has urged members of the public whose relatives may be missing following the fire incident at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, to register the names of such persons with its personnel stationed at the scene.

The agency said this was necessary to address public concerns regarding reports of missing persons.

The LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

There have been speculations and allegations on social media that some persons are still trapped under the rubble of the collapsed section of the building.

Reacting to the concerns, Oke-Osanyintolu noted that rescue operations were still ongoing at the scene of the fire.

He stated, “The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency wishes to address concerns being raised by members of the public regarding persons reportedly missing following the recent fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria Insurance Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.

“The Agency acknowledges the anxiety and distress this unfortunate incident may have caused affected families and loved ones. In response, LASEMA wishes to reassure the general public that search and rescue operations are actively ongoing at the incident location.

“Trained emergency responders, supported by specialised equipment, remain fully engaged on the ground to ensure that all affected areas are thoroughly assessed and that no person is left unaccounted for.”

He urged individuals with missing relatives to report and register the names of such persons at the scene of the fire.

He continued, “To enhance coordination and accuracy in the response process, members of the public who have been unable to reach their relatives, colleagues, or loved ones believed to have been in or around the affected building at the time of the incident are encouraged to register their concerns at the LASEMA Complaints Unit at the site of the incident.

“Relevant information provided will be carefully received, verified, and documented to enable the compilation of a consolidated list of reported missing persons, which will aid rescue, recovery, and identification efforts.

“LASEMA is working closely with relevant emergency response, health, and security agencies to ensure a comprehensive and orderly operation. The Agency remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and will continue to provide timely updates to the public as developments unfold.”

The permanent secretary concluded by urging members of the public to cooperate with emergency responders as they carry out their duties.

PUNCH Metro reported that the fire started on the fourth floor and spread to the sixth floor of the 25-storey building before engulfing other floors and adjoining structures.

A detached section of the plaza, estimated to be about seven floors, collapsed during the inferno, trapping traders and market assistants.

While seven individuals were rescued shortly after the collapse, three bodies were recovered from the rubble on Friday.

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Sources at the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency told PUNCH Metro on Tuesday that additional bodies were pulled out during ongoing search-and-rescue operations on Sunday, bringing the death toll to five.