A devastating fire swept through Alaba Rago Market in Lagos State’s Ojo area early Wednesday morning, destroying goods valued at millions of naira.
The blaze, which reportedly started around midnight, quickly consumed shanty shops within the market. Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, promptly arrived at the scene to contain the fire.
Dr. Femi Oke-Osayintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, commended the swift actions of the Dolphin Response Team and other units in preventing the fire from spreading to nearby properties. “Our team worked tirelessly alongside the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to put the situation under control,” he stated.
Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed that the fire had been curtailed, with minimal damage to surrounding structures.
While no casualties were reported, the fire destroyed numerous shops, leaving traders devastated by the loss of their goods and livelihoods. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with authorities working to determine the total value of the damage.
The Alaba Rago Market, a bustling hub for trade in livestock, foodstuffs, and other goods, is now left in ruins as affected traders lament their losses.
