A major fire outbreak on Tuesday evening destroyed a section of the Alaba International Market in Ojo, Lagos State, leaving traders in panic and losses running into millions of naira. The blaze reportedly began in the furniture section of the market and spread quickly through adjoining shops before emergency responders could intervene.
Key Highlights
● Massive fire razes part of Alaba International Market in Ojo, Lagos.
● The furniture section near the Ojo Local Government Secretariat was worst hit.
● Traders say the fire started from a “small spark” before spreading rapidly.
● Value of goods lost yet to be determined as several shops were destroyed.
● Fire service response unclear as videos show traders battling the flames.
Panic as Fire Sweeps Through Alaba Market
Eyewitness videos shared on X (formerly Twitter) showed thick plumes of smoke and raging flames rising from the popular market, one of West Africa’s biggest trading hubs for electronics and furniture. Traders could be heard shouting for help as they watched helplessly while their investments went up in flames.
An eyewitness, Ikechukwu Ude, who first posted the video, said the fire started from “a little spark” before spreading to nearby shops. “It happened so fast; everyone was running for safety. Some people tried to use buckets of water, but it was too late,” he said.
Other clips circulating online showed frantic traders trying to salvage goods as the fire intensified. Many were seen crying, while others blamed the market’s internal security for what they called a slow and disorganized response.
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Emergency Response Still Unclear
As of press time, it was not immediately confirmed whether officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service had arrived at the scene. Eyewitnesses claimed that several calls to emergency hotlines went unanswered in the first thirty minutes of the incident.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, though traders suspect an electrical fault may have triggered the initial spark.
Traders Count Their Losses
By late evening, dozens of shop owners were seen trying to recover what was left of their goods amid smoldering debris. Witnesses said the damage was “massive,” with several furniture warehouses completely destroyed.
Many traders have appealed to the Lagos State Government for immediate intervention and compensation, noting that Alaba Market supports thousands of families and supplies furniture to businesses across Nigeria and West Africa.
Authorities Yet to Issue Official Statement
As of Wednesday morning, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Fire Service had not released an official statement on the incident. Efforts to reach officials for confirmation on casualty figures or the extent of destruction were unsuccessful.
The Alaba International Market, located in the Ojo area of Lagos, is one of Nigeria’s busiest commercial hubs, with thousands of traders dealing in electronics, furniture, building materials, and home equipment.
