A section of the Alaba International Market in Lagos was engulfed in flames on Tuesday evening.
Videos shared on X captured thick plumes of smoke and flames rising from the furniture section of the market, located near the Ojo LGA secretariat in Ojo town.
According to Ikechukwu Ude, an X user who shared the footage, the fire began from “a little spark” before spreading quickly to nearby shops.
In another clip, traders were seen standing helplessly at a distance as the blaze consumed their stores.
Footage also showed officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service working tirelessly to put out the fire.
Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday, Shakiru Amodu, director of public affairs at the state fire service, confirmed the incident and noted that details were still being gathered.
“I’m aware of the incident; the Ojo fire station dealt with the scene along Ijegun — it happened just yesterday,” Amodu said.
“It’s just safe to say we can speak later in the day — maybe in another hour — and I should be able to get back to you.”
The Alaba International Market, located along the Lagos–Badagry expressway, is one of West Africa’s largest trading centers for electronics, furniture, and building materials.
The latest incident adds to the growing list of market and building fires recorded across Lagos in recent months.
In September, at least 10 people were killed in a fire at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island.
United Capital Plc confirmed that six of its staff members were among the victims, while the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) said four of its employees also lost their lives.
Preliminary reports revealed that the blaze originated in the inverter room located in the building’s basement before spreading to the upper floors.
Videos from the scene showed trapped workers breaking windows to escape, while others leapt onto foam cushions placed below to avoid suffocation.
Emergency teams from the Federal Fire Service and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service rescued nine people, five of whom were revived on site.