Traders Count Losses As Fire Razes 10 Shops In Lagos Market

Traders at the popular Alayabiagba Market on Mobil Road at Boundary, Ajegunle, in Lagos State are counting their losses as an early morning fire burnt down 10 shops in the area.

Confirming the incident, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) however said their personnel were able to curtail the fire from causing further destruction.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the Agency received a distress call about a fire outbreak on Wednesday 5th June, 2024 and immediately activated its emergency response plan.

The statement, in giving an update on the incident, explained that on the Agency’s team arrival at the scene, it was observed that 10 shops were already engulfed by the fire.

According to Osanyintolu, available information revealed that the fire started from one of the shops after public power was restored by the electricity company.

He further said; “No loss of life or injury was recorded”, adding; “However, the fire razed 10 shops and destroyed several goods in the affected shops.

“The fire was extinguished by the combined efforts of stakeholders and prevented from spreading to other shops and adjoining buildings within the area.”

Meanwhile, an eyewitness account stated that immediately the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) restored light, a loud spark was heard in one of the shops where the fire suddenly started and subsequently spread to other shops because most of the goods in them are curtains and clothing materials.

However, a market insider said the total cost of the burnt and damaged materials in terms Naira value was still being calculated by owners of the affected shops as of the time of filling this report.