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Fire Destroys Section of Alaba International Market in Lagos
Fire on Tuesday evening swept through a section of the popular Alaba International Market in the Ojo area of Lagos State, destroying several shops and goods worth millions of naira.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The blaze reportedly began around 6 p.m. in the furniture section of the market, sending thick smoke into the sky as traders and residents tried to contain the flames before emergency responders arrived.
Eyewitnesses said the fire started from an electrical spark in one of the shops and quickly spread through rows of wooden structures packed with furniture and materials. Many traders were seen crying as they struggled to save their goods.
Emergency Response
Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene shortly after being alerted and worked with other emergency teams to bring the fire under control. As of Tuesday night, firefighters were still dousing hotspots to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby sections.
Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed that fire trucks were deployed from nearby stations. She said no casualties had been reported at press time, but an assessment of losses and damages was ongoing.
“The situation is under control, and our men are ensuring the fire does not extend beyond the affected block,” Adeseye said.
Traders Count Their Losses
Dozens of shop owners said they lost large quantities of goods, including imported furniture, plywood, and interior materials. Some traders accused market security of responding too slowly and blamed poor infrastructure for the quick spread of the fire.
“I saw smoke coming from one corner, and within minutes everything was burning,” said Chukwudi Okeke, a trader who sells furniture accessories. “We tried to use fire extinguishers, but the fire was too much.”
Another trader, Aisha Bello, said she lost all her stock. “Everything I worked for is gone,” she said tearfully. “There was no water and no access for the fire trucks at first.”
A Pattern of Market Fires
Alaba International Market, one of West Africa’s largest electronics and furniture trading hubs, has witnessed several fire incidents in recent years. Experts say narrow passages, crowded stalls, and the use of flammable materials contribute to the frequency and severity of such fires.
In December 2024, a similar fire gutted shops at Alaba Rago Market, also in the Ojo area, causing millions of naira in losses but no casualties.
Authorities have repeatedly urged traders to follow safety rules, including regular electrical checks, the use of fire extinguishers, and keeping access routes clear for emergency vehicles.
Government Reaction and Next Steps
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said it is investigating the cause of the fire and will work with market associations to assess damages. Officials also said the government plans to strengthen fire-safety systems in major markets across the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been briefed on the incident and is expected to visit the market later this week, according to a statement from his office.
While no fatalities were reported, the financial toll of the disaster is expected to be heavy for hundreds of traders who rely on daily sales for their livelihoods. Many of them spent the night guarding what remained of their shops.
By late Tuesday, firefighters had fully contained the blaze, but smoke continued to rise from the ruins as traders and emergency teams sifted through the debris.
For many, the incident is a painful reminder of the urgent need for better fire prevention, stronger infrastructure, and safety awareness in Lagos’ bustling markets.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a suspected baby factory in Badagry, Lagos State, rescuing 28 persons during the operation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the victims include 18 adults and 10 children, among them 17 pregnant women, alongside one suspected miscarriage case, while two suspects were also arrested.
Lagos NSCDC Commandant, Adedotun Keshinro, said the raid was carried out around midnight on Wednesday after weeks of intelligence gathering.
He explained that the facility, located in Okuju-Ilado, Badagry, consisted of multiple apartments and had been under surveillance for about three weeks before the operation.
Keshinro alleged that the operators lured pregnant women with financial incentives and made them sign agreements before restricting their movement inside the premises.
He added that a fake social media account was reportedly used to attract victims and direct them into private communications.
One of the suspects, however, claimed the women came voluntarily and denied any form of coercion, insisting the arrangement was legal.
A rescued victim said she entered the facility on her own after being abandoned by the man responsible for her pregnancy.
Community leaders in the area said residents had earlier noticed suspicious activities but were unaware of what was truly happening until the raid was carried out.
The NSCDC confirmed that the suspects and rescued victims will be handed over to the appropriate anti-trafficking agency for further investigation.
A fresh legal dispute has emerged in Kano State over the planned appointment of a Deputy Governor, as lawyers have filed a suit seeking to stop the State House of Assembly from screening Murtala Garo for the position.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani has urged the Kwara State Government to reconsider its plan to file criminal charges against former Senate President Bukola Saraki and others over the 2018 Offa robbery incident.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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