A massive fire outbreak has ravaged parts of the Alaba International Market in the Ojo area of Lagos State, destroying goods and property worth millions of naira.
The inferno, which reportedly started in the early hours of Tuesday, swept through several electronic shops and warehouses before firefighters could bring it under control. Eyewitnesses said the fire began around 5:00 a.m. in one of the major sections of the market known for the sale of home appliances and electrical equipment.
Traders and shop owners watched helplessly as thick smoke and flames engulfed their shops, consuming goods stored for the festive season. Many victims said they had just restocked ahead of the end-of-year rush.
“I lost everything my shop, my goods, all gone. I had just received new supplies worth over ₦10 million,” said one distraught trader, who identified himself as Mr. Okey Nwosu. “We called the fire service immediately, but they came late. By the time they arrived, the fire had spread.”
According to preliminary reports, the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but eyewitnesses suspect it may have been triggered by an electrical surge or generator explosion.
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Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the incident, stating that multiple fire stations were deployed to contain the blaze. The agency’s spokesperson, Amodu Shakiru, said firefighters battled the flames for several hours before bringing the situation under control.
“Our men responded promptly after receiving the distress call. We were able to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining sections of the market,” Shakiru said. “Investigations are ongoing to determine the actual cause and assess the extent of damage.”
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) also joined in the rescue efforts, while security operatives cordoned off affected sections to prevent looting.
As of Tuesday afternoon, several traders were seen salvaging what remained of their goods, while others counted their losses. Market leaders have appealed to the state government for urgent assistance and support to rebuild affected shops.
“This is a tragedy for hundreds of families. Many people’s livelihoods have gone up in flames. We are calling on the government to come to our aid,” said Chief Emmanuel Ude, one of the market union leaders.
Alaba International Market, regarded as one of West Africa’s largest electronics hubs, has suffered multiple fire incidents in recent years, often attributed to faulty wiring, poor infrastructure, and overcrowded shop arrangements.
Officials say damage assessment is still ongoing, but early estimates indicate that goods worth hundreds of millions of naira may have been lost in the blaze.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State government has vowed to investigate the incident and enforce stricter safety measures to prevent future occurrences.