An early morning fire yesterday destroyed no fewer than 26 shops at Bariga Market in Lagos, leaving traders counting their losses.
The inferno, which broke out about 4:05 a.m., reportedly started from one of the keeklamps shops before spreading rapidly to others due to the wooden partitions supporting the structures.
Eyewitnesses said the fire spread quickly as most of the shops were closely built, with flammable materials aiding the intensity of the blaze.
Officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire Service, LRU paramedics and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) were said to have responded swiftly to the distress call, preventing the flames from engulfing other sections of the market.
In a preliminary report, LASEMA confirmed that though goods worth millions of naira were destroyed, no lives were lost and no injuries recorded.
The statement read: ‘Upon arrival, it was observed that some kee klamps shops were engulfed by fire. The cause of the outbreak could not be ascertained. However, the collaborative efforts of all emergency responders ensured that the fire was contained and prevented from spreading further. Twenty-six shops were affected.’
Market leaders expressed relief that no casualties were recorded but appealed to the government for assistance in cushioning the heavy losses suffered by traders.
As at press time, emergency officials had completed dampening operations, and the scene had been secured to avoid secondary incidents.