Traders and residents were thrown into confusion on Wednesday after a sudden fire outbreak ripped through parts of the popular Tejuosho Market in Yaba, Lagos State.
The incident caused panic across the busy commercial area as thick smoke covered parts of the market and nearby roads.
Videos shared online showed frightened traders rushing to save goods while crowds gathered around the burning sections of the market.
However, the exact cause of the fire had not been confirmed as of the time this report was filed.
The level of destruction also remained unclear, although properties and goods worth millions of naira were feared lost in the incident.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire spread rapidly through several shops before emergency responders arrived at the scene.
Meanwhile, videos circulating on X, formerly Twitter, captured moments of chaos as traders struggled to remove goods from affected stalls.
One of the videos was shared by user @BluishChrissie, who claimed firefighters faced difficulties accessing the affected area.
“This fire at Tejuosho, hope it is contained quickly. Fire service has arrived, and they don’t know how to get to the fire. Na wa o,” the user wrote.
An eyewitness questioned why a permanent and fully equipped fire station was not stationed around the market area.
“And to think that Fire Service Office is just some few meters away,” the eyewitness said.
“I wonder why we can’t have a permanent fire service station at the market and the Barracks area with helicopters and trained personnel.”
The eyewitness also lamented that many traders were left helpless while the flames continued spreading through the crowded market complex.
Moreover, several people were seen trying to rescue goods without protective equipment while smoke filled the atmosphere.
The Lagos State Fire Service was later seen at the scene attempting to control the blaze and prevent further destruction.
However, no official statement had been released by Lagos State authorities regarding casualties or the estimated value of damaged properties.
Tejuosho Market is widely known for the sale of clothing, electronics, household goods, food items, and other products.
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