Nigeria: Great Nigeria Insurance House Blaze: 3 bodies recovered, trapped traders’ fate uncertain

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Relatives of victims trapped under the rubble of the Great Nigeria Insurance Building in Lagos Island are calling for increased assistance as search-and-rescue operations enter their sixth day. The fire, which started on the fourth floor, spread to the sixth floor of the 25-storey building, engulfing the remaining floors and adjoining structures. A detached section of the plaza, estimated at about seven floors, collapsed, trapping traders and market assistants.

Thirteen individuals were rescued shortly after the collapse, while three bodies were recovered from the rubble on Friday. Among the dead is a China-based clothier, identified as Obum, who was attempting to retrieve goods from his store when the structure collapsed. Obum had contacted his friend, Zacchaeus Afolayan, from beneath the rubble, pleading for help and expressing concern for his children.

Search efforts continue, with fears that more people may be trapped. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed the recovery of two bodies, but identities are yet to be officially confirmed. The fire has sparked concerns about safety and emergency response in Lagos Island markets.