Fire guts over four buildings in Lagos market, as Sanwo-Olu orders indefinite closure

By Sodiq Adelakun

Over four buildings have been impacted by the fire that engulfed part of Dosunmu Market on Lagos Island on Tuesday.

Nigerian NewsDirect reports that the fire started around 11am with operatives of the Lagos Fire and Rescue service rushing to the scene to restrict the fire.

Lagos Territorial Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Ibrahim Farinloye told journalists that 14 other buildings were seriously impacted by the inferno.

Farinloye said the cause of the fire, according to sources, could be attributed to the refueling of a running generator at the market, which resulted in fire that could not be contained.

Other emergency responders at the scene of the event included NEMA, Federal and State Fire Services, the Nigeria Police and fire service of the Nigeria Ports Authority.

Reacting to the incident, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the suspension of commercial activities at Dosumu Street and its surroundings.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business Distress, Mrs. Bola Olumegbon Lawal, led a delegation to the scene for a firsthand assessment.

She announced the closure and immediate suspension of business activities in the market area to prevent potential loss of life and maintain peace and order.

Lawal urged market vendors to cooperate with emergency responders who were diligently working to contain the fire and conduct rescue operations.