An early morning fire has destroyed at least 48 shops at the Elegushi Model Market complex in Lekki, Lagos State.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed the incident in a statement on Sunday. +See more details
According to him, the agency received an emergency alert around 2 a.m. and promptly deployed teams to the scene, where the market was already engulfed in flames.
Oke-Osanyintolu explained that the emergency response team 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 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.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
