The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has appealed to the public to come forward with information on relatives, colleagues, or loved ones who may be unaccounted for following the fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Martins Street, Lagos Island.
The appeal was made on Thursday, the 1st of January, 2026, by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who explained that registering such information is vital amid concerns that some individuals may still be trapped beneath the collapsed portion of the building.
Reassuring residents, Oke-Osanyintolu stated that rescue efforts remain active and comprehensive. According to him, “The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency wishes to reassure the public that search and rescue operations are ongoing.
“Our trained responders, supported by specialized equipment, are working tirelessly to ensure that all affected areas are fully assessed and that no one is left unaccounted for.”
He advised anyone who has been unable to contact people believed to have been in or around the affected building at the time of the incident to visit the LASEMA Complaints Unit at the scene to formally lodge their concerns.
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He noted that details gathered will be carefully verified and compiled into a central register of missing persons to support ongoing rescue operations and identification processes.
The Permanent Secretary further disclosed that LASEMA is working in close coordination with other emergency response teams, health services, and security agencies to guarantee a coordinated, orderly, and effective operation, while also keeping the public informed with regular updates.
He also called on members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with emergency personnel as search and rescue activities continue.