In the early hours of Wednesday, a devastating fire broke out at the bustling Alaba Rago market in the Ojo area of Lagos State, destroying goods valued in the millions of naira. The fire, which reportedly began around midnight, caused widespread damage, particularly in the market’s shanty shops. While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, investigations are ongoing.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) responded swiftly to the crisis, following multiple distress calls from market vendors and nearby residents. Dr. Femi Oke-Osayintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, confirmed that the agency’s Emergency Response Team was activated immediately. They were deployed from Igando to the scene, where they found that several structures within the market were already engulfed in flames.
Responding to the emergency, LASEMA worked in close coordination with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and other first responders to control the fire. By the time the agencies arrived, the fire had already spread through a number of shanty shops, but prompt action prevented it from extending to neighboring properties. Both Dr. Oke-Osayintolu and the Director of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, assured the public that the fire had been contained and would not spread further.
Despite the quick response, the destruction caused by the fire remains significant, with the full extent of damages still being assessed. Emergency crews continue to monitor the situation, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of managing fire hazards in crowded markets and the importance of emergency preparedness in Lagos State.
Gathered by: Onoro Promise Edesiri