Tragedy Deepens at Lagos Fire Site as Eyewitness Claims 15 Bodies Recovered on Day 7 of Great Nigeria House Rescue

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Heart-wrenching scenes continue to unfold at the Great Nigeria Insurance House (GNI House) in Balogun Market as search and rescue operations entered their seventh day following the devastating Christmas Eve fire that gutted the high-rise commercial building.

A viral video circulating on social media on Tuesday captured an emotional eyewitness at the scene claiming that 15 bodies were recovered earlier in the day, all reportedly lifeless. In the footage, the man alleges that several more people are still trapped beneath the rubble and criticizes what he describes as a slow pace of rescue efforts by authorities.

“They brought out 15 bodies this morning, but they’re all dead. Many others are still trapped at the Great Nigeria House, Balogun. The Lagos State Government is very slow in rescuing those still inside,” the eyewitness said.

The inferno broke out on the afternoon of December 24, 2025, reportedly starting between the fourth and fifth floors of the 25-storey commercial complex located on Martins Street. The fire spread rapidly, and part of the building later collapsed, trapping traders who were believed to be inside salvaging goods or assisting others amid the busy festive period. Nearby structures, including sections of the historic Old Lagos Central Mosque, were also affected.

Official statements from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed the recovery of bodies and the rescue of injured victims in the days following the incident, though earlier official figures cited fewer fatalities.

Authorities have not yet verified the higher numbers being circulated online, emphasizing that rescue and recovery operations are ongoing.

Emergency responders continue to battle difficult conditions at the site, including smouldering debris, unstable structures, and safety concerns that have slowed access to deeper sections of the collapsed building.

These challenges have fueled public frustration, with many families anxiously waiting for news of missing relatives as the year comes to a close.

Traders in Balogun Market say losses from the fire run into billions of naira, with clothing materials, textiles, and other goods destroyed during what is usually the busiest sales period of the year. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who visited the scene shortly after the disaster, ordered the demolition of the building due to safety risks and promised government support for victims.

The tragedy has once again drawn attention to persistent concerns over fire safety standards in Lagos’ densely packed commercial districts, particularly along Martins Street, which has witnessed multiple fire incidents over the years.

As rescue teams continue their painstaking work, families remain on edge, demanding faster, transparent action and clear communication from authorities. The search, rescue, and recovery operations are expected to continue into the new year as Lagos mourns yet another devastating market disaster.