The Lagos State Government has confirmed the recovery of one additional body from the scene of the fire and partial collapse at the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Martins Street, Lagos Island.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the government said eight males, including a firefighter, sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital, while three males and two females with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged.
One adult female was extricated dead from the rubble, two adult males were rescued alive, and three persons were burnt beyond recognition. Recovery operations are ongoing, with authorities promising further updates.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that several bodies had been recovered from the ruins of the 25-storey GNI House in Balogun Market, which caught fire on December 24, with fears that more victims remain trapped. A video obtained by SaharaReporters showed emergency teams retrieving bodies from the collapsed structure.
Relatives of victims say the toll may be higher. Emmanuel Anumba told SaharaReporters that three siblingsS tephen Onyeka Omatu (40), Casmir Nnabuike Omatu (39) and Collins Kenechukwu Omatu (37) are believed to have died, while a surviving twin escaped and is searching for the missing.
He alleged that unofficial counts suggest “no fewer than 50 people” may have been trapped or killed.
The fire reportedly started on the fourth floor and spread rapidly, weakening the building. Emergency officials cited poor storage practices, combustible materials and structural design issues as aggravating factors.
