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Rising Death Toll and Ongoing Rescue Efforts

The death toll from the fire that devastated the Great Nigeria Building in the Balogun Market area of Lagos Island has climbed to five, with two more bodies recovered from the rubble on Sunday. This tragic event follows another fire outbreak on Monday evening, which damaged a section of the Arena Market in the Bolade area of Oshodi, Lagos State.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the incident, stating that it received a distress call at approximately 5:50 pm. Firefighting units were dispatched immediately and arrived at the scene within five minutes. The fire affected five 40-foot container shops arranged in two rows, bringing the total number of affected shops to 10. These shops primarily stored and sold clothing materials, which were stacked in bales. Fortunately, the fire was contained to the affected area and no risk of spreading to other parts of the market was reported.

Details of the GNI Building Fire

In the case of the Great Nigeria Building (GNI), reports indicated that the fire began on the fourth floor and spread to the sixth floor of the 25-storey structure. The blaze eventually engulfed the remaining floors and adjoining buildings. A detached section of the plaza, estimated to be about seven floors, collapsed during the fire, trapping traders and market assistants.

Seven individuals were rescued shortly after the collapse, while three bodies were recovered from the rubble on Friday. Additional bodies were pulled out during ongoing search-and-rescue operations on Sunday. According to sources from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the two newly recovered bodies were already burnt and unrecognizable. One of the bodies was also severely mangled. The source noted that the goods buried under the rubble were still smoldering, making the situation challenging for rescuers.

Community Response and Ongoing Concerns

More people have been gathering at the site of the incident in hopes of finding their loved ones. Shop owners and customers who had come to purchase goods were reportedly caught up in the fire. Wunmi Olabisi, a shop owner in the market, shared that many individuals had been coming to the location since Sunday, searching for relatives who had last been heard from on Wednesday.

Emergency responders continue to conduct excavations and search efforts amid growing anxiety among families waiting for updates on missing loved ones. Earlier reports indicated that at least 20 individuals were still trapped under the rubble. Relatives provided names and photographs of their affected 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. Several other market assistants remained unidentified.

Statement from the Shitta-Bey Family

Reacting to the tragedy, the Shitta-Bey family, owners of the GNI Building, expressed deep sorrow over the fire. In a statement released to PUNCH Metro, they conveyed their condolences to the victims and their families. The family assured the public that they are working closely with authorities to provide support and assistance to those affected.

They also addressed misinformation spread by the former tenant, Great Nigeria Insurance Ltd (GNI). The family emphasized that they had regained possession of the building following a court order in October 2019 and had rehabilitated the structure. They pledged to restore the building, including the mosque on the premises, and ensure the safe return of all residents.

The Shitta-Bey family reiterated their commitment to keeping the public informed as more details become available.