Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: fire incident

  • Tragedy in Lagos as Fire Claims Eight Lives at Great Nigeria Insurance Building

    Tragedy in Lagos as Fire Claims Eight Lives at Great Nigeria Insurance Building

    Reporting by The Cable confirms that eight people lost their lives in a devastating fire that gutted the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building in Lagos. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who visited the scene, confirmed the fatalities and stated that thirteen survivors are currently receiving medical attention.

    The Governor has ordered the immediate demolition of the burnt-out structure to prevent a secondary collapse. The incident has once again raised questions about fire safety protocols in the high-rise buildings of the Lagos Central Business District, particularly during the dry Harmattan season.

    BusinessDay reported that ‘Sanwo-Olu confirms 8 fatalities, 13 survivors,’ while Premium Times noted that the death toll rose after several victims succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The state government has pledged to conduct a forensic audit of all high-rise buildings in the vicinity.

    Echotitbits take: This is a grim reminder of the infrastructure decay in Lagos Island. Beyond condolences, the state must enforce the 2025 Building Safety Code strictly; otherwise, these ‘preventable’ tragedies will continue to haunt the city’s skyline.

    Source: Premium Times — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/847230-sanwo-olu-orders-demolition-of-burnt-out-gni-building-as-fire-death-toll-rises-to-eight.html
    Premium Times  January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: Premium Times

  • Kayzplace reopens after fire as celebrity support turns recovery into a public comeback

    Kayzplace reopens after fire as celebrity support turns recovery into a public comeback

    Photo Credit: The Guardian Nigeria

    2025-12-19 10:20:00
    As reported by The Guardian Nigeria, Kayzplace Barbershop reopened in Surulere after a fire-related shutdown, drawing celebrities, loyal clients and community leaders for a visible show of support.

    The reopening was framed as both a business restart and a morale moment—proof the brand survived the disruption and is pushing forward.

    For many Lagos lifestyle businesses, December visibility can directly impact survival, making celebrity support more than just optics.

    The Guardian quoted the owner: “Of course, it was necessary. This is my business… so I had to take the necessary steps to bring it back,” he said. A Kayzplace Instagram update stated the brand is “committed to rebuilding and emerging stronger.”

    Echotitbits take:
    This is a case study in community-backed recovery. Watch whether the reopening translates to sustained customer traffic—and whether the brand secures partnerships that turn a comeback story into long-term growth.

    Source: The Guardian Nigeria — 2025-12-19 — https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/celebrity/celebrities-besiege-kayzplace-as-outlet-reopens-after-fire-incident/
    The Guardian Nigeria
    2025-12-19

  • FIRS Abuja office fire contained as agency begins investigation

    FIRS Abuja office fire contained as agency begins investigation

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-21 00:05:00

    According to The Punch, a fire incident affected one of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) offices in Wuse, Abuja, with officials saying there were no fatalities and the blaze was contained.

    FIRS said security personnel on duty responded quickly, supported by the FCT Fire Service and other emergency responders, preventing the flames from spreading to other parts of the building.

    The agency added that while some offices on the impacted floor were damaged, work to review safety protocols is underway as investigators determine what caused the outbreak.

    TheCable also reported the fire was contained and quoted FIRS’ statement that “no life was lost in the incident.” In a separate update, Punch quoted the agency saying preliminary findings point to “a possible electrical fault” as the likely cause.

    Echotitbits take:
    Even without casualties, any disruption at a key revenue agency invites scrutiny. Watch for an official incident report, confirmation of what infrastructure or records were affected, and any new safety measures rolled out across other FIRS locations.

    Source: The Punch — December 21, 2025 (https://punchng.com/firs-probes-abuja-office-fire/)
    The Punch 2025-12-21

  • Auchi tanker blast injures residents as fire spreads through spilled fuel

    Auchi tanker blast injures residents as fire spreads through spilled fuel

    Photo Credit: Vanguard / File
    2025-12-18 10:00:00

    Vanguard reports that a fuel tanker crash in Auchi, Edo State triggered a dangerous fire that left multiple people injured and caused damage around the impact area.

    The account points to a spill scenario where fuel fed the flames, forcing responders to focus on evacuation, containment and treatment of casualties.

    Verification: The Guardian (Nigeria) and The Whistler (citing NEMA) also reported the incident and the scale of injuries.

    Quotes: The Guardian: “no fewer than 25 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries…” The Whistler: “the incident occurred… when a tanker reportedly lost control…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is a recurring national safety failure: weak haulage standards, poor road design and weak route control. Watch for enforcement on tanker safety, speed limits, and safer transport corridors—beyond condolence statements.

    Source: Vanguard — 2025-12-18 — https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/scores-injured-as-tanker-explosion-rocks-auchi/

    Vanguard 2025-12-18