17 shops gestroyed as fire guts Sabo Market in Lagos

Seventeen shops were destroyed after a fire outbreak at Sabo Market in Ikorodu, Lagos State, in the early hours of Tuesday, with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) linking the incident to a suspected electrical surge.

The fire, which occurred at about 1:10 a.m., affected a section of the market, according to a statement issued by LASEMA’s Head of Public Affairs, Afolabi Olawale.

The agency said emergency responders from its Tiger Squad and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene and battled to contain the flames, which had already spread across several stalls.

LASEMA’s preliminary findings showed that the fire started from one of the shops before extending to adjoining stores. The agency suspected that a surge during public power supply may have caused the outbreak.

It said the swift response of emergency teams prevented the fire from spreading to other parts of the market and nearby structures.

Although 17 out of 32 shops in the affected section were lost, LASEMA confirmed that no life was lost and no injury was recorded.

The affected traders lost goods including provisions, groceries, food items and other valuables in the incident.

LASEMA said its recovery operations had been completed after responders brought the situation under control and ensured the safety of the remaining sections of the market.

The agency commended its personnel and officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service for their efforts in containing the fire.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, urged traders to take electrical safety measures seriously by ensuring proper wiring, avoiding overloaded connections and conducting routine checks on electrical installations.

He also advised residents to contact the state emergency lines, 112 and 767, whenever they notice situations requiring urgent intervention.

Oke-Osanyintolu reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting lives, property and businesses across the state.