The widow of a cloth merchant who died during the devastating fire at the Great Nigeria Insurance House plaza on Lagos Island has shared a poignant video capturing her final moments with her husband, drawing renewed public attention to the tragedy.
The deceased, identified as Nze Obum, was among several traders trapped during the inferno that engulfed the 25-storey commercial building at Balogun Market on December 24, 2025. Obum was later confirmed dead after being buried beneath rubble when a section of the building collapsed.
Reports indicate that the fire, which reportedly broke out on the fourth floor, spread rapidly through the structure, trapping traders and shop owners. Obum was said to have returned to the premises to retrieve remaining goods from his shop behind the plaza when the collapse occurred.
His wife, who recently gave birth, revealed that Obum had travelled back from China for the Christmas holidays to support his family and sell merchandise at the busy market. In a social media post, she shared a video of the couple dancing together on December 23, describing it as their last moment together.
“This was my last dance with my hubby on the 23rd of December, and death took away my source of joy, the father of my children, on the 24th of December,” she wrote.
In a separate tribute, the grieving widow said the incident had shattered her life, describing her late husband as a kind-hearted man who was deeply devoted to his family. She added that even in his final moments, he was thinking about the welfare of his wife and children.
The incident has triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many users expressing grief and anger over the loss of lives and property. Several commentators questioned the effectiveness and timeliness of the emergency response, while others urged traders to prioritise personal safety over goods during fire outbreaks.
Authorities are yet to release a detailed report on the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the building’s collapse.
