Fire Engulfs Several Shops at Popular Alaba International Market, Lagos
A massive fire has reportedly gutted several shops at the popular Alaba International Market in Ojo, Lagos State, late Wednesday night, leaving traders and residents in panic.
Eyewitnesses said the inferno started around 9:00 p.m. in one of the sections of the market known for electronics and household goods, quickly spreading to adjoining shops before emergency responders arrived.
Traders were seen making frantic efforts to salvage their goods as thick smoke and flames engulfed parts of the market.
Many lamented huge losses, with some accusing late response from emergency services for the escalation of the fire.
As of the time of filing this report, officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, along with security operatives, were on the ground battling to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.
The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but some traders suspect an electrical surge may have triggered the incident.
The Alaba International Market, one of West Africa’s largest electronics hubs, has suffered several fire outbreaks over the years, often resulting in multimillion-naira losses for traders.
No casualties have been confirmed yet, but emergency officials say assessment and rescue operations are ongoing.
Authorities are expected to launch an investigation once the fire is fully contained.
