Blaze ravages 17 stores in Lagos marketplace

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, has attributed a fire that razed 17 shops at Sabo Market in Ikorodu to a suspected electrical surge, according to a statement by its Head of Public Affairs, Mr Afolabi Olawale.

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The fire, which started at approximately 1:10 a.m. on Tuesday, was eventually extinguished through a collaborative effort between LASEMA's Tiger Squad and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

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Upon arrival, responders were met with a row of shops engulfed in flames, with preliminary findings indicating that the fire originated in one shop before spreading to adjacent ones.

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LASEMA attributed the incident to a suspected electrical surge that occurred during public power supply, which quickly spread to other shops due to the proximity of the buildings.

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Emergency responders were able to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the market and nearby buildings, and ultimately saving 15 out of 32 shops in the affected section.

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A total of 17 shops were damaged, with provisions, groceries, foodstuffs, and other valuable goods destroyed, although no deaths or injuries were reported.

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The prompt intervention of emergency personnel ensured that the remaining shops and nearby sections of the market were saved, with recovery operations having been completed and the response team returning to base.

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LASEMA commended the coordinated response of its Tiger Squad and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, highlighting the importance of effective collaboration in emergency situations.

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The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, emphasized the need for traders and market leaders to prioritize electrical safety, urging shop owners to ensure proper wiring and avoid overloading electrical appliances.

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Dr Oke-Osanyintolu also advised residents to report emergencies through the state's toll-free lines, 112 and 767, to ensure prompt response and reaffirmed the Lagos State government's commitment to protecting lives, property, and livelihoods across the state.