An early morning fire has devastated the Alaba Rago Market in Ojo, Lagos State, destroying goods worth millions of naira.
The blaze, which started around midnight on Wednesday, caught traders off guard and quickly spread through the market.
Officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) confirmed the incident, describing it as a major loss for the market community.
Femi Oke-Osayintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, said the exact cause of the fire remains unknown.
According to Oke-Osayintolu, emergency responders were alerted shortly after the fire broke out.
“Our team from Igando immediately mobilized to the scene following a distress call,” he stated.
He added that the emergency response plan of Lagos State was swiftly activated to tackle the situation.
When the team arrived, they found several makeshift shops already engulfed in flames.
Traders were seen trying to salvage what they could as the fire raged on.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as shop owners scrambled to save their goods.
“I woke up to people screaming and saw thick smoke rising into the sky,” said Musa Abdullahi, a trader in the market.
He said many traders lost everything as the fire spread quickly through the wooden structures.
Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were deployed to battle the flames.
They worked alongside LASEMA officials and other emergency responders.
“The fire has been brought under control, but the damage is extensive,” Oke-Osayintolu revealed.
Preliminary reports suggest that the market’s makeshift nature may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Many of the shops were built with flammable materials, making it difficult to contain the blaze.
This is not the first time Alaba Rago Market has experienced a fire outbreak.
The market, known for its bustling trade in electronics and household goods, has a history of similar incidents.
Traders are now calling on the government to provide better infrastructure to prevent such tragedies.
“Every time there’s a fire, we lose everything, and no one helps us recover,” lamented Abdul Kareem, another shop owner.
He urged authorities to improve safety measures and provide adequate fire-fighting facilities in markets.
The Lagos State Government recently reopened the market after renovations, raising concerns about why safety precautions were not strengthened.
While no lives were reported lost in the incident, many traders face financial ruin.
The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
Authorities are also urging residents to remain vigilant and report emergencies promptly.
“This is a wake-up call for everyone,” said a senior official from the Lagos Fire Service.
He stressed the importance of fire safety awareness and adherence to regulations.
The Lagos State Government has pledged to support affected traders with relief measures.
“We will do everything possible to assist those who have lost their livelihoods,” said an official statement from the governor’s office.