Death Toll Rises to Five as Lagos Plaza Fire Sparks Fresh Market Inferno
The death toll from a devastating fire that engulfed a major commercial plaza on Lagos Island has risen to five, as emergency officials confirmed the recovery of additional bodies from the wreckage, intensifying fears that more victims may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
The inferno, which broke out on Christmas Eve, ravaged the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building, a multi-storey plaza located within the densely populated Balogun Market axis, one of West Africa’s busiest commercial hubs.
The fire reportedly started on an upper floor of the building and spread rapidly, fuelled by flammable materials stored in shops, including textiles and household goods.
Firefighters and rescue workers battled the blaze for hours, but structural collapse within the plaza severely hampered rescue operations.
Lagos emergency authorities confirmed that two more bodies were recovered days after the incident, bringing the confirmed death toll to five, while several persons remain unaccounted for.
Families of missing traders and visitors have continued to besiege the site, hoping for news of loved ones.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as occupants attempted to escape through smoke-filled stairwells, with some reportedly trapped when parts of the building gave way.
Many traders lost goods worth millions of naira, compounding the tragedy with significant economic losses.
As recovery efforts continued at the GNI plaza, another fire outbreak was recorded at Arena Market in Oshodi, a bustling commercial area on the Lagos mainland.
The second blaze, which occurred on Monday evening, destroyed several container-style shops stocked mainly with clothing materials.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said its officers responded swiftly and were able to contain the Oshodi market fire before it spread further.
No casualties were reported in that incident, although traders counted heavy losses.
The twin fires have once again drawn attention to persistent fire safety challenges in Lagos markets, where overcrowding, illegal electrical connections, and poor adherence to safety regulations often exacerbate disasters.
Despite repeated warnings by authorities, market fires remain a recurring threat in Nigeria’s commercial centres.
State officials have pledged a full investigation into the causes of both incidents, while renewing calls for traders and property owners to comply with safety standards.
Search, rescue and recovery operations are ongoing at the Lagos Island plaza, as authorities caution residents to stay away from the unstable structure.
For many affected families and traders, however, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement of fire safety measures to prevent further loss of lives and livelihoods.
