Two adult males have been found dead in the ruins of the Great Nigeria Insurance Building on Lagos Island, following a major fire that destroyed the multi-storey structure on Thursday. The identities of the victims are yet to be confirmed as rescue and recovery efforts continue at the scene.
The bodies were recovered on Friday during an ongoing search and rescue operation at the Marina area of Lagos Island. Emergency responders returned to the site early in the day to search through the rubble of the burnt building, amid fears that some people may have been trapped when part of the structure collapsed during the fire.
The Great Nigeria Insurance House, a 25-storey high-rise building, is one of the prominent commercial structures on Lagos Island. It houses offices, business spaces, and is surrounded by busy trading areas. The fire incident has therefore raised serious concerns about safety, emergency response, and building standards in the area.
According to reports, the fire started on the fourth floor of the building before spreading to the sixth floor and other levels. The flames later extended to nearby buildings, including the Old Lagos Central Mosque, causing panic among residents, traders, and worshippers in the area.
Eyewitnesses said thick smoke and flames could be seen from several parts of Lagos Island as the fire raged for hours. Many traders reportedly fled the area to avoid being caught in the fire, while emergency agencies struggled to contain the blaze.
During the incident, a section of the building reportedly collapsed. This development raised fears that some people, including traders and workers, may have been trapped under the rubble. These fears led to continued search and rescue operations even after the fire was brought under control.
On Friday, emergency workers confirmed the recovery of two bodies from the debris. A senior official of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the bodies were discovered during a systematic search of the collapsed parts of the building.
“Two bodies were recovered today during the search exercise,” the official said. “The first body was found at about 11:03 a.m., while the second was recovered around 12:03 p.m.”
As of press time, efforts to get an official statement from the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, were unsuccessful. Calls and messages sent to him had not been responded to.
However, emergency officials at the scene confirmed that search, recovery, and safety operations are still ongoing. They said the focus is to ensure that no one else remains trapped and to prevent further dangers from the damaged structure.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASEMA, and other emergency agencies have been working together since the incident began. Firefighters were seen spraying water on remaining hot spots to prevent re-ignition, while rescue workers carefully removed debris from collapsed sections.
The cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined. Authorities have said investigations will be carried out to establish how the fire started and whether safety rules were followed in the building.
Fires in high-rise buildings are not new in Lagos, especially on Lagos Island, where many old structures exist alongside busy commercial activities. Over the years, the state government has warned property owners and occupants about fire safety, electrical standards, and the dangers of illegal connections.
Lagos Island is one of the oldest parts of the city and serves as a major commercial hub. Many buildings in the area are old and were not designed to handle modern electrical loads. This has often been blamed for frequent fire outbreaks in markets, offices, and residential buildings.
In recent times, the Lagos State Government has increased inspections of public buildings and markets to reduce fire risks. However, incidents like the Great Nigeria Insurance Building fire have renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
Residents and business owners in the Marina area described the incident as shocking and painful. Some traders said they lost goods and valuables to the fire, while others expressed fear about the safety of buildings in the area.
“This is very sad,” said a trader who operates near the building. “People go to work every day and expect to return home safely. Now two lives are gone, and many people have lost their means of livelihood.”
The Old Lagos Central Mosque, which was also affected by the fire, is an important religious and historical site. Community leaders have called for urgent repairs and support to restore the mosque and other damaged properties.
The recovery of the two bodies has brought fresh attention to the human cost of the disaster. While investigations continue, families of missing persons are expected to visit the scene and emergency agencies to seek information about their loved ones.
Authorities have urged members of the public to stay away from the area to allow emergency workers to carry out their duties safely. They also warned against spreading unverified information, as investigations are still ongoing.
As Lagos continues to grow as a major business and population centre, incidents like this highlight the urgent need for improved safety standards and rapid emergency response. Many residents are now calling on the government and building owners to take stronger action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
