By ADERONKE OJEDIRAN

The Lagos State Government has clarified issues surrounding the recent fire incidents at Afriland Towers and Central Plaza on Lagos Island, saying seven people died from inhalation of carbon monoxide.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on September 16th, some parts of Afriland Towers was engulfed by fire.

The Mandilas building in the same Lagos Central Business District was also engulfed by fire the same day leading to loss of lives, and goods and property worth millions of Naira.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, speaking on behalf of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu at a joint news conference in Alausa, described the incidents as unfortunate and condoled with the families of the victims.

“The loss of lives is deeply painful to the government and people of Lagos State.

“We sympathize with the bereaved families and assure residents that safety of lives and property remains a top priority for this administration,” Omotoso said.

He added that the Sanwo-Olu administration would continue to invest in safety infrastructure and strengthen emergency response systems.

The Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Dr. Lanre Mojola, said emergency responders arrived within the “golden hour” but noted that panic contributed to casualties.

“Preliminary reports show that most of the victims died from inhaling smoke and not burns.

“We urge residents to follow basic safety measures such as crawling under smoke during a fire and knowing the exit routes in high-rise buildings,” Mojola said.

He also encouraged owners of high-rise buildings to register on the Commission’s platform for safety certification to enhance compliance.

Similarly, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, said the rescue team arrived at both scenes within 20 minutes.

“The fire at Afriland Towers started from the basement where inverter batteries were kept before spreading to other parts of the building.

“Crowd management was a major challenge at the Mandilas Central Plaza, which hindered effective rescue operations,” Adeleye said.

The Director, Lagos State Ambulance Service, Mrs. Beatrice Makinde, said injured victims were treated free of charge at the General Hospital in Lagos.

“Three of those admitted have been discharged and reunited with their families, while others are still under observation,” Makinde said. (NAN)