Workers arrested as fire devastates multi-billion naira LG warehouse
Some employees of LG Electronics at the Abule Osun Trade Fair in Lagos State were apprehended for allegedly stealing foreign currencies from their employer after a fire broke out at the store early Sunday morning. The blaze, which started shortly after midnight, resulted in the destruction of goods valued in the billions of naira.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) reported that it received emergency calls at 12:15 a.m. and that fire officials arrived 25 minutes later to control the fire. Nosa Okunbor, Head of LASEMA’s Public Affairs Unit, stated that the fire damaged equipment, small forklifts, and household goods such as TVs, refrigerators, and air conditioners, estimated to be worth hundreds of billions of naira. The fire has been contained with the help of various emergency responders.
The statement from LASEMA also mentioned that the fire severely damaged the major warehouse but was contained through the collaborative efforts of the agency’s LRT, LRU Fire Unit, Lagos State Fire & Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, and other key responders. The efforts prevented the fire from spreading to nearby structures, including other warehouses, a gas station, diesel tankers, expatriate quarters, and adjacent buildings.
During a visit to the scene, our correspondent observed workers outside the premises while thick smoke continued to billow from inside. Soldiers stationed at the gate prevented entry attempts.
One worker, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, revealed that police and military personnel were deployed to the site due to reports of theft by some employees. The worker explained, “While some of us tried to control the fire, a few colleagues broke into the offices and began stealing foreign currencies from our employers.”
Our correspondent saw security personnel searching workers as they left the premises. Some of the suspects were being interrogated by soldiers at the gate. One individual identified as Ali Baba was seen being escorted by soldiers to identify other suspects involved in the theft. A customer familiar with the warehouse’s operations noted that Ali Baba, a long-time employee, had been in the company for over a decade and had risen to a supervisory position.
It was reported that the fire intensified due to a lack of water on the premises. Usman Shehu, an eyewitness, noted that despite attempts to locate water, none was found. LASEMA officials later confirmed the absence of a fire hydrant on the warehouse premises, contributing to the severity of the fire. The source also mentioned that the warehouse’s safety protocols, if any, would be reviewed further.
Additionally, it was reported that around 100 40-foot containers of electronic appliances had been delivered to the warehouse just four days prior. LASEMA updated that the fire had spread throughout the entire warehouse, which contains six assembly lines. Okunbor mentioned that pockets of fire and extreme heat remained, with ongoing efforts to manage and dampen the situation.
