Lagos government orders evacuation of residents around burnt GNI building

Lagos State Government has ordered residents and businesses near the burnt Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building to evacuate immediately, following a directive from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

A press statement signed on Tuesday by Gbenga Omotoso, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, revealed that experts sent to assess the site of the December 24 fire warned of serious risks to life and property within a 100-metre radius of the building.

“Several buildings around the scene of the fire are structurally compromised and must be evacuated,” the statement said.

The government also warned shop owners and others against breaching the “no movement” barrier established around the site, describing such actions as extremely dangerous.

The 25-storey GNI building was engulfed in flames on December 24, leaving surrounding areas at risk due to potential structural collapse.