No fewer than 173 people lost their lives in 1,156 emergency incidents recorded across Lagos State in 2025, according to data released by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
A detailed breakdown of the figures showed that, despite the fatalities, the total number of emergencies in 2025 was lower than in 2024.
The report indicated that road crashes accounted for the highest number of incidents, with 394 cases recorded during the year. This was followed by tanker and truck-related accidents, which accounted for 249 incidents, while fire outbreaks contributed 204 emergencies.
On a monthly basis, February 2025 recorded the highest number of emergencies with 122 cases. April followed closely with 121 incidents, while May recorded 119 cases.
The data also showed that Alimosho Local Government Area had the highest number of emergencies in the state, recording 180 incidents. Eti-Osa followed with 144 cases, while Ikeja recorded 139 emergencies.
Further details from LASEMA’s Pre-Hospital Care Unit indicated that between January 1 and December 30, 2025, a total of 1,924 victims were rescued and resuscitated during emergency operations across the state.
“This total comprises 906 adult males, 1,003 adult females, 13 boys, and two girls,” the report stated.
However, the agency recorded 173 fatalities within the same period. According to the data, 139 of the deceased were adult males, 32 were adult females, while two boys were recovered dead.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the agency is fully prepared to respond to emergencies across the state in 2026.
Speaking at a retreat organised for LASEMA staff on Friday, Oke-Osanyintolu said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had provided the necessary support to strengthen the agency’s capacity for disaster mitigation.
He explained that the retreat was organised both to appreciate staff for their efforts in 2025 and to re-energise them for the responsibilities ahead in the new year.
“Our chosen theme at this year’s off-site gathering, ‘Building a Resilient and Efficient LASEMA: Strengthening Preparedness, Response and Recovery in Lagos State,’ speaks directly to the role each of you plays quietly every day, often behind the scenes, yet critically important,” he said.
Oke-Osanyintolu stressed that the agency’s effectiveness goes beyond equipment and infrastructure.
“Let me state clearly that LASEMA’s strength technology, or leadership titles. The agency’s strength lies in the commitment, discipline, and professionalism of its workforce, especially our junior staff,” he said.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to disaster management, he noted that LASEMA remains ready to protect lives and property across the state.
“LASEMA, as the coordinating body for all emergencies in Lagos State under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is prepared in terms of infrastructure and is prioritising the welfare of first responders to ensure the safety of residents,” he said.
He added that public cooperation remains crucial in reducing emergencies. “As much as the government is doing its part, residents must also partner with us and understand that their safety should be paramount,”
Oke-Osanyintolu said.
He urged Lagos residents to avoid unsafe practices capable of triggering emergencies, stressing that prevention remains a key component of effective disaster management.
