- A massive fire broke out at Alaba International Market in Lagos, destroying shops and properties worth millions.
- Eyewitnesses described the Lagos market fire as one of the worst in recent years, with traders seen crying and struggling to rescue goods.
- The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service responded swiftly but struggled to control the fast-spreading flames.
- Many traders blamed poor market security and delayed response for the extent of the destruction.
Panic swept through the Alaba International Market in Lagos on Tuesday evening as a massive fire tore through several sections of the bustling trading hub, destroying shops and warehouses in its path.
Live footage from a TikTok user, KB Clothings, showed thick black smoke rising from multiple parts of the market while traders and onlookers wailed in despair. Many were seen rushing to salvage what little they could before the fire spread further.
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Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the flames consumed rows of locked shops containing electronics, building materials, and household goods. “Everything is gone,” one trader cried. “Years of hard work and savings are gone in minutes.”
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene to battle the inferno, but the blaze continued to rage late into the night. Emergency responders could be seen trying to prevent the fire from reaching nearby warehouses and densely packed stalls.
Several witnesses accused market security of reacting too slowly when the fire first started, alleging that poor coordination worsened the situation. “They could have reduced the damage if help came on time,” another trader lamented.
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Located along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, the Alaba International Market is one of Nigeria’s largest commercial centers, home to thousands of traders dealing in electronics, electrical parts, and building materials.
As of the time of filing this report, the full extent of the damage and the cause of the fire remained unknown. Authorities are expected to conduct an investigation once the fire is fully contained.
