An early morning fire outbreak has destroyed at least 17 shops at the popular Sabo Market in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, leaving traders counting heavy losses as goods and property worth millions of naira were reduced to ashes.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of the day, prompted distress calls from residents and market security personnel after thick smoke and flames were spotted engulfing a section of the busy commercial centre.
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) were immediately deployed to the scene to contain the blaze.
Firefighters battled the inferno for several hours, successfully preventing it from spreading to adjoining buildings and hundreds of nearby shops. Their swift response helped bring the situation under control before the fire could consume a larger section of the market.
No fatalities or serious injuries were recorded during the incident.
Emergency officials said the prompt intervention of firefighters prevented what could have been a far more devastating disaster.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault or power surge following the restoration of electricity, although authorities said a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.
Officials noted that many markets remain vulnerable to fire outbreaks due to unsafe electrical installations, the storage of combustible materials in confined spaces and limited access routes for emergency vehicles.
The incident has dealt a significant economic blow to affected traders, many of whom lost valuable merchandise, electronics and other goods.
Following the fire, emergency management authorities urged market associations and traders to strengthen fire safety measures by ensuring that electrical appliances are switched off after business hours, replacing faulty or improvised wiring with certified installations and keeping access roads and walkways clear to enable emergency responders to reach affected areas quickly.
Authorities said further assessments would be carried out to determine the extent of the damage while efforts continue to support affected traders.