A devastating early morning fire has destroyed no fewer than 48 shops at the Elegushi Model Market in Lekki, Lagos State.
The fire outbreak has thrown traders in the market into deep tears.
The incident was confirmed by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to him, LASEMA received a distress call at about 2 a.m. and immediately deployed emergency responders to the scene, where the market complex had already been engulfed by flames.
Oke-Osanyintolu said the swift intervention of the agency’s response team helped contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.
Preliminary findings by LASEMA’s Shark Response Team revealed that the fire originated from a makeshift stall within the market before spreading to the main structure. He noted that the exact cause of the outbreak is still under investigation.
“Thankfully, no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded. The combined efforts of all stakeholders ensured the fire was completely extinguished and neighboring structures were protected,” he said.
A post-incident assessment later confirmed that 48 shops were affected by the blaze.
The LASEMA boss stressed the need for improved fire safety practices in markets across the state, urging traders to adopt preventive measures.
“Traders were sensitized on basic fire safety. The market union was advised to strategically position fire extinguishers to control minor incidents before they escalate. Shop owners were also encouraged to install smoke detectors and fire alarms and remain vigilant,” he added.
Meanwhile, authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage and are working with market leaders to strengthen fire prevention strategies.
The incident comes days after a late-night fire outbreak on Thursday, December 12, razed parts of the Berger Trailer Park, popularly known as Berger Suya, in the Olodi-Apapa area of Ajegunle, Lagos, destroying several trailers, container shops, and heaps of abandoned tires.
