Lagos market fire destroys 450 shops, 30 offices, hotels
Tamarauemi Ebimini
No fewer than 6,700 traders have been displaced following the fire outbreak that consumed a section of the Mandilas building, a popular marketplace on Lagos Island.
Newsmen learnt that the fire also destroyed 450 shops, 30 offices, including some law firms, two hotels and five restaurants.
The fire, which started from the first floor of the popular Mandilas house around 11am on Sunday, later spread to surrounding market stalls at Atunwase International Market.
The Iyaloja of Atunwase International Market Mandilas General, Alhaja Adeniji Rashidat, said goods worth billions were destroyed by the fire.
“Over 6,700 traders have been displaced from their business places following Sunday morning fire outbreak that consumed a section of the building. Also 450 shops, 30 offices, two hotels and five restaurants, were destroyed,” she said.
Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the South West, Ibrahim Farinloye, said the affected houses had been sealed to avoid loss of lives.
Farinloye confirmed that the fire displaced about 6,700 traders and destroyed 450 shops, 30 offices, two hotels and five restaurants.
“The fire which started at about 0011 hours began on the first floor where an alleged electric wielding activity was going on. It was alleged that the people around did not notice the fire until it was too late before fire service was contacted.
“The fire also spread to surrounding market stalls at Atunwase International Market with equal extensive damage as the main main complex,” he added.
Farinloye further said officials of the Lagos State Safety Commission and Building Control Agency were on the ground to assess the integrity of all buildings at the scene.
According to him, all structures have been locked down to prevent access to the shop for the safety of traders and the public.
“Other agencies on the ground today (Monday) are Lagos Fire services, Red Cross, Nigeria Police, Neighbourhood watch, Lagos Island Local Government Sanitation, Lagos State Business District are currently making efforts at making the scene safer for people,” he said.
