Five dead as fire destroys another market in Lagos
Rising Death Toll from Fires in Lagos
The death toll from the fire that devastated the Great Nigeria Building in the Balogun Market area of Lagos Island has increased to five, following the recovery of two more bodies from the rubble on Sunday. This incident has raised concerns about safety and preparedness in commercial areas of the city.
Another Fire Incident in Oshodi
In a separate development, another fire outbreak occurred on Monday evening, destroying a section of the Arena Market in the Bolade area of Oshodi, Lagos State. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service responded swiftly, with firefighting units arriving at the scene within five minutes after receiving a distress call. According to the Controller General, Margret Adeseye, the fire affected five 40-foot container shops arranged in two rows, bringing the total number of affected shops to 10.
The market area is primarily used for the storage and sale of clothing materials, which were stocked in bales. The fire was successfully contained to the affected section, and no risk of it spreading to other parts of the market was reported. The situation is now under control, and the fire service has confirmed that there is no further danger.
Impact of the Great Nigeria Building Fire
The Great Nigeria Building fire, which began on the fourth floor and spread to the sixth floor of the 25-storey building, led to the collapse of a detached section of the plaza, estimated at about seven floors. This collapse trapped traders and market assistants, resulting in significant loss of life and property.
Seven individuals were rescued shortly after the collapse, while three bodies were recovered from the rubble on Friday. Additional bodies were found during ongoing search-and-rescue operations on Sunday. Sources from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency mentioned that the bodies were severely burnt and difficult to identify. One of the bodies was also mangled, highlighting the severity of the incident.
Search for Missing Individuals
Families of the victims have been gathering at the site of the incident, hoping to find their loved ones. Many people came to the location in search of relatives who had come to purchase goods in the market. Shop owner Wunmi Olabisi shared that some individuals had not been heard from since Wednesday, when the incident occurred.
Emergency responders continue to conduct excavations and search efforts amid growing anxiety among families waiting for news about missing relatives. PUNCH Metro had previously reported that at least 20 individuals were still trapped under the rubble.
Identified Victims and Their Families
Relatives of the victims have provided names and photographs of their loved ones, including Elo Chukwu, Omeigbo Chuwuebuka, Omeigbo Chukwudubem, Kayode Omoniyi, Ikechukwudi Asobi, Murphy Aborinwa, Onyeka Obinwa, Mercy Ukamaka, Taofeeq Opera, Chiding, and two of his boys. The identities of several other market assistants remain unknown.
Response from the Shitta-Bey Family
The Shitta-Bey family, owners of the GNI Building, expressed deep sorrow over the fire incident. In a statement, they conveyed their condolences to the victims and their families and assured the public that they are working closely with authorities to provide necessary support and assistance.
The family also addressed claims made by the former tenant, Great Nigeria Insurance Ltd (GNI), stating that the building was left in a dangerous state for nearly six years before they regained possession in 2019. They emphasized that the building was adequately insured and pledged to restore the structure, including the mosque within the premises, ensuring the safe return of all residents.
Updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available.
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