An early morning fire swept through the Elegushi Model Market complex in Lekki, Lagos State, destroying at least 48 shops, authorities have confirmed.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed the incident in a statement on Sunday.
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 confirmed that 48 shops were affected by the blaze.
The Permanent Secretary also emphasised 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,” Oke-Osanyintolu added.
Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and work with market officials to enhance fire safety measures and prevent similar incidents in the future.
A late-night inferno on Thursday, 12 December, tore through the Berger Trailer Park, popularly known as Berger Suya, located in the Olodi-Apapa area of Ajegunle, Lagos.
It was gathered that Thursday’s inferno destroyed several trailers, container shops, and heaps of abandoned tyres.
