By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos State witnessed a staggering 1,675 fire and road disasters in 2024, with Alimosho Local Government Area topping the list of occurrences, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency.
The agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, revealed that the incidents, which included fire outbreaks, building collapses, road accidents, and boat mishaps, resulted in significant losses and disruptions to the state’s economic activities.
“The agency acted in accordance with its statutory responsibilities of coordinating emergency/disaster response with a mandate to respond, rescue, recover, rehabilitate and ensure continuous disaster risk reduction in the state,” Oke-Osanyintolu explained.
According to the agency’s 2024 Annual Data Analysis, road accidents accounted for 458 incidents, while fire disasters ranked third with 285 incidents.
The agency also reported that the Truck/Tanker/Trailer category was responsible for 507 incidents, comprising 345 accidents, 129 broken-down trucks, and 19 fallen trucks/tankers.
Oke-Osanyintolu attributed the incidents to reckless driving, negligence, and other human factors. He emphasised the need for residents to be more cautious and vigilant to prevent such disasters.
“Data generated by Operational Bases/Units and Pre-Hospital Care Unit spread through the three Senatorial Districts of Lagos for better coverage and swifter response time revealed that out of the 167 incidents attended in December 2024, Pre-Hospital Care ranked highest with 59 cases attended,” he said.
The agency’s data also showed that Alimosho Local Government Area recorded the highest number of incidents with 262 cases, followed by Ikeja with 185 incidents, and Eti-Osa with 168 cases.
