Traders at Ladipo Market in Lagos are counting their losses after an early morning fire Tuesday gutted several shops destroying goods worth millions of naira.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu stated that the agency received distress calls through its emergency toll-free lines at about 12:09 a.m.
“LASEMA immediately activated the state’s emergency response plans, and our response team from the Cappa Base was deployed to the scene,” he said.
Emergency responders arrived at 12:16 a.m. and discovered that a warehouse surrounded by shops had been engulfed in flames. Investigations traced the cause of the inferno to an electric power surge after public electricity supply was restored to the area.
Although no casualties were recorded, valuable goods—including electronics, generating sets, bicycles, auto spare parts, phones, and home appliances—were destroyed.
Authorities have since sensitized warehouse occupants on preventive measures to avoid a recurrence.
This is not the first time Ladipo Market has suffered such a disaster. The market has witnessed multiple fire outbreaks over the years, raising concerns over safety measures.
June 11, 2012: A fire gutted Warehouse B, destroying millions of naira worth of goods. Illegal electrical connections were cited as the cause.
April 20, 2016: About 50 shops at the Osoro section of the market were reduced to ashes after a power surge from a fallen electric pole.
November 29, 2021: A furniture workshop and an auto spare parts building were destroyed following an electrical spark.
The frequency of these fires has left many traders worried about the security of their investments.
Following the latest fire, many social media users have expressed frustration and concern.
A user on X, Kanayo X, wrote:
“It’s becoming too much. Should we say it’s the carelessness of the people or an intentional act?”
Another user, Victor Frank Ejor commented:
“The fire incidents are too frequent these days.”
Some questioned whether affected traders had insurance to mitigate their losses @Slimshadieh20 remarked:
“I hope say dem get insurance shaa.”
While authorities are urging better safety practices, many believe stronger enforcement of electrical regulations and fire safety measures is crucial to preventing future disasters.
NAN
