Goods worth millions of naira were on Friday reportedly destroyed as fire gutted popular Alaba International Market located in the Ojo LGA of Lagos State.
According to reports gathered by ValidView Network, the fire started from a shop where gas cylinders were kept before spreading to other parts of the market.
It was also learnt that the traders adopted self-help methods to put out the fire before the arrival of emergency responders.
The Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, in a statement on Friday, said the incident had degenerated into a security situation as officials of the agency were unable to gain access to the market.
She however said security operatives were on top of the situation.
The fire service director said the fire affected mainly the shanties used as shops in the popular market.
“Report reaching Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service indicates shops at the popular Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos are on fire,” the statement reads.
“However, Fire Crew from Ojo, Sari-Iganmu and Ajegunle are being turned back by angry mobs from performing their statutory duty but presently on standby.
“The agency is consequently collaborating with security agents to address it.”
