Massive fire destroys 26 shops in major Lagos market
A fierce fire on Thursday evening engulfed 26 shops at a busy market in Lagos, displacing traders and causing significant property losses.
The blaze reportedly broke out around 7 p.m. in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun area, where the market is densely packed with small businesses selling clothes, electronics, and household goods.
Eyewitnesses said the flames spread rapidly, fuelled by strong wind and the close proximity of the shops. Many shop owners could only watch helplessly as their goods went up in smoke.
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Local fire crews arrived within minutes, battling to contain the inferno as onlookers formed human chains to salvage items and prevent the fire from spreading further.
Firefighters managed to prevent the blaze from reaching adjacent clusters of stores, but by then many of the original 26 had been completely destroyed.
Several traders made frantic calls for help when they saw the flame spreading. Some fled with small items, while others suffered minor burns in the rush.
One trader, Mr. Akinwale, said, “I saw sparks near my neighbour’s stall; before I knew it, fire went up the whole row. I lost everything, stock, equipment, shelves.”
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The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that no lives were lost, though two firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation.
Damage assessments are ongoing; early estimates put losses in the tens of millions of naira, considering stock, shop fittings and infrastructure.
State authorities have assured that support will be provided to affected traders, including assistance with compensation, temporary shops, and security of remaining properties.
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