The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has asked members of the public whose relatives may be missing after the fire incident at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, to register their names with officials at the scene.
The agency said the move was aimed at addressing growing public concerns over reports that some persons might still be trapped under the rubble of the collapsed section of the building.
The LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, made this known in a statement issued on Thursday.
There have been speculations on social media that victims remain unaccounted for following the inferno, which led to the collapse of part of the building.
Reacting, Oke-Osanyintolu said rescue operations were still ongoing and assured the public that emergency responders were fully engaged at the site.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
He added that trained emergency responders, supported by specialised equipment, were carefully assessing all affected areas to ensure that no one was left unaccounted for.
The permanent secretary urged individuals who had been unable to reach their relatives or colleagues believed to have been in or around the building at the time of the fire to come forward.
“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,” he said.
He explained that the information provided would be verified and documented to help compile a comprehensive list of missing persons to support rescue, recovery and identification efforts.
Oke-Osanyintolu also called for cooperation from the public, noting that LASEMA was working closely with other emergency, health and security agencies.
“The agency remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and will continue to provide timely updates to the public as developments unfold,” he added.
Wuzup Nigeria had reported that the fire started on the fourth floor of the 25-storey building and spread to the sixth floor before engulfing other floors and adjoining structures.
A detached section of the plaza, estimated to be about seven floors, collapsed during the fire, trapping traders and market assistants.
While seven persons were rescued shortly after the collapse, three bodies were initially recovered from the rubble. Additional bodies were later pulled out during ongoing search-and-rescue operations, bringing the confirmed death toll to five.
