Lagos Dismisses ‘False’ Viral Video of GNI Building Survivors

New Delhi, January 8, 2026: A wave of confusion was triggered across social media after a viral video surfaced claiming that additional victims had been rescued alive from the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House fire. On January 7, 2026, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service issued a stern dismissal of the footage, labeling it as misleading and factually incorrect. In a statement released by the agency’s Controller General, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, it was clarified that the video being circulated did not reflect the current reality at the site of the 25-storey building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.

The Reality of the Christmas Eve Tragedy

The devastating inferno, which broke out on December 24, 2025, had already resulted in a confirmed total of eight fatalities. It was reported that while 13 individuals were successfully rescued alive during the initial emergency operations, no further survivors have been pulled from the rubble since that time. Authorities noted that the misleading video actually appeared within 24 hours of the incident but was being recirculated in early January to suggest a “miraculous” new rescue, a claim that has now been officially debunked to prevent the spread of false hope among the victims’ families.

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A Structural Danger Zone

The site of the GNI building remains a highly volatile and dangerous environment. It was emphasized by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a recent inspection that the structural integrity of the high-rise has been severely compromised, leading to a total blockade of the surrounding area. The fire, which reportedly spread to five adjoining buildings, was intensified by the storage of highly combustible materials like textiles and the unsafe use of generators. Because of the risk of a spontaneous collapse, the public has been warned to stay away from the 100-meter danger zone established by emergency responders.

Demolition and Recovery Operations

In response to the tragedy, a Technical Recovery and Demolition Committee was established by the Lagos State Government to oversee the controlled removal of the damaged structure. It was stated that recovery operations are still ongoing as teams carefully comb through the debris for three unidentified victims whose remains were charred beyond recognition. DNA testing is currently being organized to help grieving families find closure. Meanwhile, the market area remains sealed, as the government prioritizes “life over livelihood” amidst protests from local traders regarding the closure of their shops.

Combatting Misinformation in 2026

As of January 8, 2026, residents have been urged to rely solely on official communication channels for updates on the GNI fire. It was argued by the Fire Service that the circulation of unverified videos only serves to complicate the efforts of first responders and cause unnecessary emotional distress. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the impact of human error in urban centers and the critical importance of adhering to fire safety regulations. For the people of Lagos, the “fake” rescue video stands as a cautionary example of how digital misinformation can distort the narrative of a serious public disaster.