Lagos, Nigeria — October 22, 2025
A devastating fire outbreak has razed parts of the Alaba International Market in Ojo, Lagos State, destroying goods and properties worth millions of Naira. The incident, which occurred late on Tuesday night, October 21, sent traders and residents into panic as flames engulfed several shops before firefighters arrived at the scene.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started around 10:30 p.m., in one of the market’s major sections known for the sale of electronic goods, household appliances, and cables, before spreading rapidly to adjoining stalls due to strong winds and the dense nature of the market.
Eyewitness Accounts
Mr. Sunday Nwachukwu, a trader who lost his shop in the incident, said the fire began shortly after the close of business and quickly spread before security personnel could react.
“We had closed for the day when we started hearing people shouting about fire. By the time we rushed back, the flames had already consumed several shops. We could do little because there was no immediate access to water,” he lamented.
Another shop owner, Mrs. Ijeoma Okechukwu, tearfully recounted how her entire stock of electronics was destroyed.
“I just restocked goods worth over ₦15 million last week. Everything is gone. It’s heartbreaking because this is our only source of livelihood,” she said.
Emergency Response
Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) confirmed that multiple fire trucks were deployed from Ojo, Sari-Iganmu, and Ajegunle stations to battle the inferno.
In a statement released early Wednesday, the Director of LSFRS, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, said the fire was brought under control after several hours of intense firefighting operations.
“Our personnel responded promptly after receiving the distress call around 10:45 p.m. The fire affected several blocks of shops, mainly in the electronics section of the market. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but properties running into millions of Naira were destroyed,” Adeseye said.
She added that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, while urging traders to adhere to safety guidelines and avoid unsafe electrical practices within the market.
Police, Emergency Agencies on Ground
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Nigerian Police, and market security teams were also on-site to assist in evacuation and crowd control as firefighters worked through the night.
LASEMA spokesperson Dr. Nosa Okunbor confirmed the agency’s deployment and said assessments of the extent of damage were underway.
“Our response team was at the scene to support firefighting efforts, secure the area, and assess structural risks. Preliminary findings indicate that dozens of shops and warehouses were affected,” he said.
Security personnel have since cordoned off parts of the market to prevent looting as traders attempt to salvage any remaining goods.
Traders Count Losses
By Wednesday morning, several traders were seen sifting through the debris, attempting to recover partially damaged goods or important documents.
Many traders expressed frustration over recurring fire incidents in the market, calling on the Lagos State Government to intervene and establish a permanent fire station within the Alaba market complex.
Mr. Uche Eze, a union leader in the Alaba International Market Traders Association, said this was not the first time such a disaster had occurred.
“We have been appealing for proper fire safety facilities for years. Alaba is one of the largest markets in West Africa, yet we don’t have an internal fire service post. This negligence must stop,” he said.
He urged the government to support affected traders with relief packages and work with market unions to implement stronger fire prevention measures.
Government Reacts
Reacting to the incident, the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, commiserated with affected traders and assured that the government would provide assistance after the damage assessment was completed.
“The state government sympathizes with all traders who have lost their livelihoods in this unfortunate fire. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed that a comprehensive report be submitted immediately to enable swift intervention,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
He reiterated the need for strict adherence to fire safety standards, especially in crowded commercial areas.
Possible Cause Under Investigation
Although the official cause of the fire has yet to be confirmed, early reports suggest it may have been triggered by an electrical surge or improper power connection — a recurring issue in major Lagos markets.
A senior fire official who spoke anonymously said,
“Many of these markets operate on unstable power supplies and use multiple generators, creating a high risk of electrical fires. We suspect a surge or faulty wiring might have caused this outbreak.”
Authorities are expected to conduct a joint investigation involving LASEMA, LSFRS, and the Police, to identify the cause and recommend preventive measures.
Recurrent Fire Incidents in Lagos Markets
The Alaba market fire is the latest in a series of market infernos that have plagued Lagos in recent months. In August 2025, a fire gutted sections of the Balogun Market on Lagos Island, while similar incidents were recorded at Oyingbo and Ladipo markets earlier this year.
Experts have blamed these frequent occurrences on poor urban planning, illegal electrical installations, and lack of fire safety infrastructure in densely populated trading centers.
Dr. Adebayo Odu, a safety expert, urged the government to enforce fire audit regulations and ensure that markets are equipped with functional hydrants, extinguishers, and emergency exits.
“Most markets in Lagos are firetraps waiting to happen. We must move beyond reactive firefighting to proactive safety management,” he warned.
Way Forward
In the wake of the disaster, the Alaba International Market Traders Association (AIMTA) announced plans to hold an emergency meeting to discuss relief efforts and future safety strategies.
The association’s spokesperson, Mr. Chijioke Nnorom, said the body would also liaise with state authorities to ensure swift rehabilitation of affected sections and support for victims.
“We appeal to the government to assist our members to recover from this loss. We also plan to set up a market-wide safety task force to monitor electrical compliance and fire response readiness,” Nnorom said.
Conclusion
As emergency officials continue to assess the extent of destruction at the Alaba International Market, traders are left counting their losses and calling for stronger preventive measures to avert future tragedies.
Though no casualties have been reported, the incident serves as another stark reminder of the urgent need for fire safety reforms in Nigeria’s commercial hubs.
The Lagos State Government has pledged to investigate the cause, assist victims, and intensify efforts toward ensuring safer market environments across the state.
