An early morning inferno has razed no fewer than 48 shops at the Elegushi Model Market complex in Lekki, Lagos State.
The incident was confirmed in a statement on Sunday by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.
He explained that the agency received a distress call at about 2 a.m. and immediately mobilised emergency responders to the location, where the market had already been consumed by fire.
Oke-Osanyintolu explained that the emergency response team in Lagos quickly contained the fire to prevent further destruction.
Preliminary investigations by LASEMA’s Shark Response Team indicated that the fire originated from a makeshift stall within the market before spreading to the main building. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported.
He said, “The fire started from one of the makeshift stalls within the market compound and rapidly escalated to the main building. The exact cause is yet to be determined. Thankfully, no lives were lost, and no one was injured. Coordinated efforts by all stakeholders ensured the fire was completely extinguished and prevented it from affecting neighbouring structures.”
A post-disaster assessment carried out by the agency confirmed that 48 shops in the Lagos were affected by the blaze.
Oke-Osanyintolu also stressed the importance of fire prevention and preparedness for market traders.
“Traders were sensitised on fire safety measures. The market union was advised to strategically position fire extinguishers to manage minor incidents before they escalate.
Shop owners were further urged to install smoke detectors and fire alarms and remain vigilant against potential fire outbreaks,” he said.
Fire disaster is common in Nigeria especially as the country gradually moves to the dry season. Fire fighters in many states are not equipped to battle the inferno..
