Midnight fire guts 48 shops in Lagos

Not less than 48 shops were destroyed by fire at the Elegushi Model Market complex in the Lekki area of Lagos State on Sunday.

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the agency received a distress call at about 2:00 a.m.

According to him, emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the market complex already engulfed in flames. However, prompt intervention by response teams helped to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to adjoining buildings.

Oke-Osanyintolu said preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from a makeshift stall within the market and later spread to the main building.

“Preliminary investigations conducted by the Shark Response Team revealed that the fire started from one of the makeshift stalls within the market complex and quickly escalated to the main building. The exact cause of the fire was yet to be determined as of the time of this report,” he said.

He added that no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded during the incident.

“No life was lost, and no injuries were sustained. Collaborative efforts by all stakeholders ensured effective firefighting, leading to the complete extinguishing of the fire and preventing further damage,” he stated.

A post-disaster assessment, however, confirmed that 48 shops were affected by the fire.

The LASEMA boss further disclosed that traders were sensitised on fire prevention and safety measures to avert future occurrences.

“Market union executives were advised to install fire extinguishers at strategic locations to help control minor fires before they escalate. Shop owners were also urged to be more conscious of fire safety, while smoke detectors and fire alarms should be installed within the market premises,” he said.