Lagos fire: Family sympathises with victims, seeks building assessment

The Sunmonu Animashaun Family has sympathised with residents, traders and businesses affected by a devastating fire on Lagos Island and sought a Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) assessment.

The family made the call in a statement on Sunday, jointly signed by Mr Rafiu Jawando, Acting Chairman, Board of Trustees, and Otunba Hakeem Oladipo Animashaun, Secretary, Board of Trustees.

“It is with a heavy heart full of sadness and sorrow that we recall the horrifying and tragic fire incident which started on Dec. 24, 2025, at Shitta-Bey Court, also known as Great Nigeria House.

“By the next day, the fire had spread to our family house (Agbole Animashaun) and other adjoining buildings within the vicinity.

“In its ferociousness, it crossed the road and completely razed the Shitta-Bey Mosque,” the statement said.

The family said the impact of the fire was massive, adding that five buildings belonging to different branches of the family were affected.

It noted that officers of the fire service had to demolish part of the Animashaun Family House to curb the spread of the fire and provide ventilation to quell the blaze.

According to the statement, the demolition substantially compromised the integrity of the family house, making the safety of occupants no longer guaranteed.

“Subsequently, the family is calling on the management of the Lagos State Building Control Agency to conduct an assessment of the building,” it said.

The family also disclosed that the historic Animashaun Mosque, reputed to be the first mosque where Juma’at service was held in Lagos, was partially affected by the fire.

It said the mosque, already dilapidated due to years of neglect, could no longer guarantee the safety of worshippers.

Consequently, the family said the mosque management committee had been directed to suspend all religious and commercial activities within and around the mosque pending the outcome of an integrity test.

“The Sunmonu Animashaun Family sympathises with all residents, business concerns, traders and everyone who uses the affected buildings.

“We pray that Almighty Allah turns this loss into gain and replenishes the pockets of all those directly or indirectly affected.

“We also mourn those reported to have lost their lives in the incident. May Almighty Allah grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” it said.