The death toll from the fire that gutted the old Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building in Lagos Island Local Government, Lagos State, has risen from eight to 12, after four more bodies were recovered under the rubble from the scene of the incident.
Aside from that, the Federal Government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has facilitated the deployment of heavy-duty equipment by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to support ongoing recovery operations at the site.
The statistics was disclosed yesterday by NEMA through a statement made available to newsmen barely three weeks after the inferno that occurred on the eve of Christmas celebration in the state.
According to the statement, “The multi-agency rescue and recovery operation remains complex due to the precarious structural condition of the 23-storey building.
“However, significant progress has been recorded with the controlled removal of debris and the recovery of four bodies from beneath the rubble.
“NEMA is providing technical and operational support to ensure safety at the site while facilitating the deployment of CCECC equipment for controlled excavation and debris clearance.
“The excavation and debris removal operations are being carried out under the close supervision of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), and other relevant response stakeholders.
“Four burnt bodies were recovered from the rubble, properly documented, and handed over to the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SHEMU) for onward transfer for forensic identification and dignified handling.
“The incident perimeter remains fully secured by the military, police, and other supporting security agencies, with barricades in place to restrict unauthorised access and ensure the safety of emergency personnel and the public.
“Meanwhile, a strategic coordination meeting was held involving NEMA Lagos Operations Office and key stakeholders, including the Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Lagos State, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Arc GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde; and the Chairman of the Community Development Association (CDA).
“The meeting focused on detailed planning of ongoing operations, including a phased approach to safe excavation, structural integrity assessment, controlled demolition, and eventual site rehabilitation.
“All activities at the site remain under the authority of LASEMA and the Lagos State Government, with NEMA providing technical and operational support”.
