The tragic fire that consumed the Great Nigeria Building in the bustling Balogun Market area of Lagos Island has now claimed ten lives. Rescue officials confirmed the updated death toll after recovering two more bodies from the wreckage in early January.
Timeline of a Tragedy
The devastating blaze began on Wednesday, December 24, reportedly igniting on the fourth floor of the 25-storey commercial plaza. The fire rapidly spread, eventually engulfing multiple floors and adjacent structures. A critical moment in the disaster was the collapse of a detached section of the building, estimated to be about seven floors high, which tragically trapped numerous traders and market assistants inside.
In the immediate aftermath, emergency responders successfully rescued seven individuals. Initial recovery operations in the following days led to the discovery of eight bodies. However, the search was far from over.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
A source from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services disclosed that the two additional victims were recovered between Sunday, January 4, and Monday, January 5. The remains were promptly taken to a mortuary. An anonymous official from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) indicated that recovery teams were nearing a significant milestone.
"We are closer to reaching ground zero, and that will most likely be this week," the source stated, adding that the agency's permanent secretary would provide a comprehensive briefing upon completion.
Shakiru Amodu, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Fire Service, publicly confirmed the recovery of the two additional victims on Sunday.
Victims Identified and Mourned
The victims' bodies have been handed over to their grieving families. Among the deceased are a clothier based in China known simply as Obum and an unidentified adult female. The tragedy also claimed the lives of three brothers: Steve (40), Casmir (39), and Collins (37) Omatu. Reports indicate the siblings were scheduled to be laid to rest on the Wednesday following the recovery.
This incident has cast a pall over the commercial heart of Lagos Island, highlighting urgent concerns about safety standards in densely populated market areas. As recovery operations press on to reach ground zero, the community and the nation mourn the profound loss of life in one of Lagos's most devastating recent fires.
