A sudden midnight fire outbreak has left traders in Lagos’s popular Computer Village counting heavy losses after a one-storey commercial building was razed in the early hours of Tuesday.
The inferno, which broke out on Somoye Street in Ikeja, destroyed properties worth several millions of naira and sent shockwaves through the usually busy tech hub.
According to eyewitness accounts, the fire started around midnight and quickly engulfed the commercial building, which housed dealers in computers and computer accessories.
The incident was unexpected, especially as the area was relatively quiet at the time. However, thick smoke and flames soon drew the attention of residents and night security personnel.
No lives were lost in the incident. However, during firefighting operations, an official of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service sustained minor injuries.
The officer was treated immediately at the scene by officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS). Meanwhile, the quick medical response helped prevent further complications.
Following distress calls, emergency responders were mobilised. Operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived alongside personnel of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
Their swift action ensured the fire was contained before it spread to nearby buildings. Moreover, the response helped calm fears of a wider disaster in the densely packed commercial area.
As of press time, the cause of the fire had not been determined. However, officials noted that the building was mainly used for storing and selling computers and accessories.
Therefore, the presence of highly combustible materials contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
The entire upper floor of the structure was completely destroyed.
Confirming the incident, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the damage was extensive.
“All goods and properties worth several millions of naira stored therein were completely destroyed by the conflagration,” he said.
He added that the structure suffered visible damage.
“Upon arrival, the LASEMA Response Team conducted a risk assessment of the incident scene and cordoned off the affected area. Safety and precautionary measures were activated to forestall damage to adjoining buildings and the immediate environment,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
Furthermore, he explained that the building had been partially compromised and would require urgent structural assessment.
Meanwhile, damping-down operations were ongoing to remove residual heat and prevent re-ignition.
Relevant emergency and regulatory agencies have since launched investigations to determine the cause of the Computer Village fire outbreak and recommend preventive measures.
In addition, officials said lessons from the incident would help reduce future risks in commercial zones.
At the scene, traders, sympathisers, and residents gathered in disbelief.
Affected shop owners were seen assessing their losses, with many lamenting the scale of destruction.
