Korede Abdullah in Lagos
A massive fire swept through the Ajah Market in Lagos, destroying shops and goods worth millions of naira, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
The fire broke out late Sunday night at the market, located near the Alesh bus stop in Lekki. Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, confirmed the incident and revealed that the agency responded promptly to distress calls.
Upon arrival, emergency responders found several shops and stores engulfed in flames, with combustible materials fuelling the inferno.
Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported. LASEMA and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service worked together to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings.
“LASEMA in response to distress calls from the 767 and 112 toll-free lines at 09.30 hrs, activated its Emergency Response Team from Lekki Base.
“On arrival at the incident scene at 22.10 hrs, it was discovered that several shops and stores housing combustible materials were engulfed by fire.
“Investigations conducted revealed that the immediate cause of the fire could not yet be ascertained as at the time of writing this report. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were recorded at the incident scene,” Dr Oke-Osanyintolu said.
The cause of the fire has yet to be ascertained as of press time. Meanwhile, investigation into the cause of the inferno has commenced.
The emergency responders faced a challenging situation, as they had to manage a hostile crowd while battling the blaze.
Despite these difficulties, they successfully extinguished the fire, bringing the operation to a close. The destruction caused by the fire is estimated to be substantial, with properties worth a fortune lost.
