Fire caused by electrical surge destroys 17 shops at Lagos market

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, has attributed the fire that gutted part of Sabo Market in Ikorodu in the early hours of Tuesday to a suspected electrical surge.

The agency disclosed this in a statement issued by its Head of Public Affairs, Afolabi Olawale, noting that the incident occurred at about 1:10 a.m.

According to LASEMA, emergency responders from its Tiger Squad, working in collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, swiftly mobilised to the scene, where they found a row of market stalls engulfed in flames.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire originated in one of the shops before rapidly spreading to adjoining stores. The agency said the blaze was believed to have been triggered by an electrical surge during public power supply.

LASEMA stated that the prompt response of emergency personnel prevented the fire from extending to other sections of the market and nearby buildings.

The agency confirmed that 17 out of the 32 shops in the affected section were destroyed, with goods including provisions, groceries, food items and other valuables lost in the inferno.

Despite the extensive damage to property, no fatalities or injuries were recorded during the incident.

It added that the remaining shops and surrounding parts of the market were successfully protected through the timely intervention of emergency responders.

LASEMA disclosed that recovery operations had been concluded and its response team had since withdrawn from the scene after bringing the situation under control.

The agency commended members of its Tiger Squad and personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service for their professionalism and coordinated efforts in containing the fire.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, urged traders and market leaders to place greater emphasis on electrical safety to reduce the risk of similar incidents.

He advised shop owners to ensure proper electrical wiring, avoid overloading electrical appliances and carry out regular inspections of electrical installations.

Oke-Osanyintolu also encouraged residents to promptly report emergencies through the state’s toll-free emergency lines, 112 and 767, to facilitate swift response.

He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property and the livelihoods of residents across the state.