Goods worth millions of naira were destroyed after fire ravaged the well-known Alaba International market in the Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.
According to reports, the blaze began on Friday morning in a store where gas cylinders were kept before spreading to other areas of the market.
Additionally, it was discovered that the traders resorted to self-help to put out the fire before rescue personnel arrived.
Margaret Adeseye, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, said in a statement on Friday that the issue had turned into a security scenario since agency personnel were unable to enter the market.
The statement read, “Report reaching Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service indicates shops at the popular Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos are on fire.
“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.”
Adeseye said the agency was consequently collaborating with security agents to address the situation.
