Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Rescue teams recover two bodies from the rubble of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House Plaza on Lagos Island as search-and-rescue operations continue following a deadly market fire.
An official of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the development on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation.
“We recovered two bodies today. The first was found at about 11:03am, while the second was recovered at about 12:30pm,” the official says. “Search operations are ongoing, and identities will be announced later.”
The fire broke out late Wednesday night, starting from the fourth floor of the 25-storey commercial complex in the Balogun Market area. Flames spread rapidly to higher floors and adjoining buildings in the congested market hub.
A section of the building later collapses, trapping traders reportedly attempting to salvage goods.
Emergency responders continue combing through debris amid growing concern over the fate of missing traders. Efforts to obtain official confirmation from LASEMA Permanent Secretary Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu were unsuccessful at press time.
The incident again highlights persistent fire safety challenges in Lagos Island markets, where poor electrical wiring, congestion and weak enforcement frequently fuel infernos that destroy goods worth millions of naira annually.
Residents and traders renew calls for stricter safety compliance, improved emergency access routes and regular inspections to prevent future tragedies.
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