The Lagos State government has confirmed that the death toll from the devastating fire at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Lagos Island has risen to six.
The confirmation followed the recovery of one additional body from the rubble on Day 8 of ongoing rescue and recovery operations.
In a statement released late Wednesday via X, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the latest extrication brought the total number of confirmed fatalities to six.
He disclosed that 13 people sustained injuries during the incident. According to him, eight males, including a firefighter, were hospitalised, while five others—three males and two females—suffered minor injuries and were treated and discharged at the scene.
“One more body has been recovered from the scene of the GNI building fire.
The situation as of this evening, December 31, 2025, is: eight injured males, including a fireman, taken to hospital; three males and two females suffered minor injuries, administered first aid, and were released at the scene,” Omotoso said.
He added that one adult female was extricated dead from the collapsed structure and handed over to her husband, while two adult males were also recovered.
According to the commissioner, three victims were burnt beyond recognition.
The inferno, which broke out on December 24, reportedly started on the fourth floor of the building before spreading rapidly, destroying goods worth millions of naira and displacing dozens of traders operating within the complex.
Earlier reports indicated that at least 20 persons were still believed to be trapped beneath the debris.
Relatives of some victims, who spoke with journalists, provided names and photographs of their loved ones still affected by the incident. Identified victims include Elo Chukwu, Omeigbo Chuwuebuka, Omeigbo Chukwudubem, Kayode Omoniyi, Ikechukwudi Asobi, and Murphy Aborinwa.
Others listed are Onyeka Obinwa, Mercy Ukamaka, Taofeeq Opera, a trader identified simply as Chiding, and two of his assistants.
Several other market workers are reportedly still missing, though their identities have yet to be confirmed as rescue efforts continue.