A massive fire on Tuesday night, October 21, ravaged sections of the Alaba International Market in Lagos, destroying goods worth millions of Naira.
The unexpected inferno, which broke out late in the evening, sent traders into panic as thick smoke engulfed the sky above one of Nigeria’s largest commercial hubs.
According to eyewitnesses, the blaze started in one of the market’s electronics sections before spreading rapidly to adjoining shops.
Videos circulating on social media showed distraught traders crying helplessly as the flames consumed their stores and goods.
Although the cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, speculation suggests it may have resulted from an electrical fault or improper handling of flammable materials.
However, investigations are still ongoing to determine the actual cause of the incident.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service was alerted immediately after the outbreak and deployed multiple fire trucks to the scene.
The firefighters reportedly battled the blaze for several hours before it was finally brought under control.
A spokesperson for the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said the agency responded promptly and ensured the flames did not spread further.
“Our men arrived at the scene swiftly after receiving the distress call and worked tirelessly to contain the fire,” the official said.
He added that no casualties had been reported as of the time of filing this report, though several traders suffered losses estimated to run into millions of Naira.
Located along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, the Alaba International Market is regarded as Nigeria’s biggest hub for electronics, electrical appliances, and building materials.
The market attracts thousands of traders and buyers daily from across the country and neighboring West African nations.
Meanwhile, traders affected by the fire have called on the Lagos State Government to provide assistance and investigate the recurring incidents of fire in major markets.
