Power Surge Blamed For Alaba Market Fire, Millions Lost

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has revealed the cause of the fire that ravaged a section of the popular Alaba International Market in Ojo, Lagos, on Tuesday evening, destroying goods and properties worth millions of naira.

According to the agency, preliminary investigations showed that the fire originated from the topmost floor of a two-storey building at 155 Olojo Drive, opposite Tantalisers, shortly after electricity was restored.

The outbreak was attributed to negligence on the part of some shop owners.

In a statement on Wednesday signed by Maria Fadairo, the Senior Public Affairs Officer of the Service, firefighters from the Ojo and Ijegun-Egba Fire Stations were swiftly deployed after a distress call was received at 7:18 p.m.

“The incident involved multiple lock-up shops of varying sizes situated within a two-storey building occupying approximately 648 square meters, within a larger market premises spanning about five hectares,” the statement read.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from the topmost floor of the building shortly after electricity was restored, due to negligence on the part of some shop owners.”

Access to the affected areas proved difficult as most shops had closed for the day, forcing rescuers to break into some sections to reach the flames.

This delay, the fire service said, contributed to the spread of the inferno, though it was eventually contained to the top floor.

The affected shops were mainly dealers in furniture items, alternative power equipment, and a law office, the agency disclosed, adding that no casualties or injuries were recorded.

Firefighting operations were concluded at 10:10 p.m. through the combined efforts of personnel from the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and the Ojo Police Division.

The Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, commended the swift and coordinated response of all emergency agencies involved.

She also reiterated the need for traders and residents to adhere strictly to fire safety measures, particularly in markets and densely populated commercial areas.

The Alaba International Market, located along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, is one of West Africa’s largest trading centres, attracting thousands of traders and buyers daily.

It is a major economic hub for electronics, furniture, and building materials.

Videos circulating on social media showed thick smoke and raging flames consuming several shops, while traders made frantic efforts to salvage their goods before the fire was brought under control.