Lagos: At least 82 burnt to death, N25.37bn properties destroyed in the last one year

A series of fire occurrences in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, have resulted in at least 82 fatalities and the destruction of structures valued at N25.37 billion in the past year. 

This was revealed on Monday at a ministerial news conference in Alausa, Ikeja, by Gbenga Oyerinde, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations. In addition, he said that 376 persons had been successfully rescued from fire events, and that properties valued at N152.22 billion had been spared from burning. 

In addition, Oyerinde stated that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service had received 2,537 occurrences, comprising 607 false alarms and 1,627 fire calls, 191 rescue calls, 93 salvage calls, and 4 explosions.

In his words: “Key statistics from the year’s emergency calls revealed a total of 2,537 incidents, including 1,627 fire calls, 191 rescue calls, 93 salvage calls, and 4 explosions, alongside 607 false alarms.

“This highlighted the critical need for increased awareness of fire safety measures to combat the impact of negligence and non-compliance with safety codes.

“Despite the challenges, the agency successfully rescued 376 victims, preserving an estimated property worth of N152.22 billion, albeit with a regrettable loss of 82 casualties and N25.37 billion in property damage.

“Non-emergency activities conducted during the year included the inspection of 7,819 facilities, issuance of fire safety compliance certificates to 5,220 facilities, issuance of 92 fire reports upon request, and a total of 364 advocacy initiatives, among other endeavors,” he said.

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