Nigeria: Lagos market fire claims five lives as families search desperately for missing loved ones

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Grief and uncertainty continue to hang over Lagos Island after the death toll from the fire that ravaged the Great Nigeria Building in Balogun Market rose to five. Two additional bodies were recovered from the rubble during ongoing search efforts, days after the inferno caused part of the multi-storey building to collapse. Survivors were pulled out shortly after the incident, but many traders, assistants, and customers were feared trapped beneath the debris. Since the weekend, anxious relatives have been flocking to the scene, hoping for news of loved ones who went to the market and never returned. Even as recovery operations continue at Balogun, another fire broke out at Arena Market in Oshodi, destroying several container shops stocked with clothing materials. Emergency responders were able to contain the blaze quickly, preventing it from spreading further. Authorities say investigations and recovery efforts are still ongoing, while affected families wait in pain and hope. The owners of the collapsed building have expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and pledged support for victims, as Lagos residents once again confront the devastating human cost of market fires in the city.