In the early hours of Tuesday, as Lagos slept, two of its bustling economic hubs were consumed by raging fires, leaving a trail of destruction and millions of naira in losses. Ladipo Market in Mushin and Owode Onirin Market along Ikorodu Road were struck by flames that erupted around 1 a.m., tearing through shops and warehouses stocked with valuable goods. By dawn, the markets lay in ruins, but amid the devastation, there was a glimmer of relief: no lives were lost.
Eyewitnesses described the blaze at Ladipo Market as swift and merciless, spreading through densely packed stalls filled with mechanical tools, vehicle spare parts, motorcycles, and household electrical appliances. Emergency teams from Isolo, Bolade, and Alausa Fire Stations battled the flames, managing to contain the fire by 6 a.m. despite the challenges of navigating the crowded market, preventing further damage to nearby properties.
Simultaneously, at Owode Onirin Market, another fire targeted shops dealing in metallic materials. Firefighters from Alausa and Ikorodu Fire Stations responded promptly, bringing the situation under control by 5 a.m.
Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed that no casualties were recorded in either incident. She assured the public that investigations into the causes of the fires would begin once firefighting operations reach the damping-down stage. “Thankfully, no casualties were recorded. The causes of the fires will be ascertained as soon as operations progress,” she stated.
As the smoke clears, attention now turns to uncovering the origins of these devastating blazes. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has pledged a thorough investigation, aiming to prevent future tragedies and support the affected market communities in their recovery.
