A suspected electrical surge ignited a devastating fire at Sabo Market in Ikorodu early Tuesday morning, destroying 17 shops. Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) made the disclosure through a statement by its Head of Public Affairs, Afolabi Olawale.
The blaze broke out around 1:10 a.m. and quickly engulfed a row of shops. Firefighters from LASEMA's Tiger Squad and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived to find flames spreading rapidly across the market section.
Preliminary investigations revealed the fire started in a single shop before jumping to neighbouring structures. According to LASEMA, the incident stemmed from a suspected electrical surge that occurred during the restoration of public power supply.
Emergency responders moved swiftly to contain the inferno and prevent further spread. Their rapid action saved the remaining 15 shops in the affected section and protected nearby buildings from damage.
Out of 32 shops in the area, 17 suffered complete destruction. Provisions, groceries, foodstuffs and other merchandise went up in smoke.
The good news: no lives were lost and no one sustained injuries during the incident. Recovery operations have concluded and personnel have returned to base.
LASEMA commended its Tiger Squad and fire service officers for their coordinated efforts. Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency's Permanent Secretary, praised the swift response that averted a larger catastrophe.
Oke-Osanyintolu urged traders and market leaders to prioritise electrical safety in their premises. He advised shop owners to ensure proper electrical wiring, avoid overloading appliances and conduct regular inspections of installations.
The official also called on residents to report emergencies through the state's toll-free lines: 112 and 767. The Lagos State government, he said, remains committed to safeguarding lives, property and livelihoods throughout the state.
