The death toll from the ongoing inferno at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance Plc building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, has risen to five, days after the Christmas Eve outbreak.
Emergency officials confirmed that “five bodies have so far been recovered,” with at least 12 people injured, millions of naira in goods destroyed, and 13 victims rescued alive.
The fire, which began around 6:00 p.m. on December 24, 2024, continues to spread, affecting neighbouring properties including multiple residential and commercial buildings, a mosque, and nearby shops.
Traders at the scene lamented heavy losses, with one witness saying: “We initially thought the fire was minor, but in under five minutes it spread wildly… The fire outbreak in Lagos State calls for major attention.”
Great Nigeria Insurance Plc issued a statement distancing itself from the building’s current condition, citing a prolonged legal dispute with the Shitta-Bey family over ownership and access to the property.
The company noted: “GNI has for over five years been denied physical possession of the property,” adding that it has had “no dealings whatsoever with the management or tenants occupying the property during this period.”
It said the incident has not disrupted its operations, stating: “GNI does not maintain any office or conduct any operations in the burnt building,” and reaffirmed that its head office remains active in Ikoyi as the substantive trespass suit continues in court.