The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that a power surge and negligence were responsible for the fire that gutted a section of the Alaba International Market in Ojo Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the agency said no lives were lost and no injuries were reported in the incident.
According to the Fire Service, the distress call was received at about 7:18 p.m., reporting a fire outbreak at 155 Olojo Drive, opposite Tantalizers, within the Alaba International Market complex.
The statement noted that fire stations from Ojo and Ijegun-Egba were promptly deployed to the scene to contain the blaze.
It further explained that the fire affected several lock-up shops located on the top floor of a two-storey building covering about 648 square metres within a five-hectare market area.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from the topmost floor of the building shortly after electricity was restored, due to negligence on the part of some shop owners,” the agency stated.
It added that gaining access to the affected sections proved difficult since most shops were closed at the time, necessitating forced entry, which delayed response efforts and contributed to the spread of the flames.
The Lagos Fire and Rescue Service assured that the fire was eventually contained to the upper floor, preventing further damage to adjoining structures.