Death Toll Rises To 5 As Lagos Island Fire Rages Days After Outbreak

Death toll from the inferno that occurred at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance Plc building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, has risen to five, days after the fire broke out on Christmas Eve.

Emergency responders continued efforts to contain the blaze on Monday as more bodies were recovered from the rubble.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) had earlier confirmed three deaths from the fire, which started at about 6 p.m. on December 24, 2024, but officials at the scene said five bodies have now been recovered.

At least, 12 persons sustained injuries, goods worth millions of naira were destroyed, while 13 others were rescued alive at the scene of the incident.

The first three bodies, one adult female and two adult males were recovered on the fourth day after the incident, with the woman’s remains handed over to her husband.

The inferno also spread to several adjoining structures, including a seven-storey building, multiple three-storey buildings, a two-storey building, a mosque and other nearby properties.

Traders affected by the fire lamented heavy losses and called for government intervention.

A trader Kafayat Adesina said, “I am a trader in one of the affected buildings, and I was lucky to leave on time. We initially thought the fire was minor, but in under five minutes it spread wildly. We were happy when the Lagos State Fire Service arrived, but they could do little. The fire outbreak in Lagos State calls for major attention, and I think the government should establish more fire posts to control fires more easily.”

Another trader, Abimbola Adeosun, said, “My daughter has a shop in the affected building, and my son-in-law also has one. I have been crying; there is nothing left. That is where they get money to feed me. We are calling for government intervention. Days later, the fire is still raging, and the fire service has been unable to put it out.”

Meanwhile, Great Nigeria Insurance Plc (GNI) has expressed sympathy with victims, but distanced itself from the management of the property, citing a long-running legal dispute with the lessor’s family.

In a statement, the company said it was granted a long lease of the bare land at No. 47/57 Martins Street by the Shitta-Bey Family, which expires on December 31, 2036, and that it erected the 25-storey building for investment purposes.

“It is noteworthy that GNI has been in court with the Shitta-Bey family over the property. All the suits were decided in favour of GNI,” the company stated, adding that the family allegedly took over the property in 2020 despite court orders and leased it out to tenants.

“Consequently, GNI has for over five years been denied physical possession of the property. Our company has had no dealings whatsoever with the management or tenants occupying the property during this period,” the statement added.

GNI reassured the public that the fire had not affected its operations, noting that it does not operate from the burnt building and that its head office remains at Ikoyi, Lagos.