A shopping complex housing clothing dealers along Amore Street in Ajegunle, Boundary area of Lagos, was completely gutted by fire on Wednesday, destroying goods worth millions of naira.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency reported that the incident occurred early Wednesday morning and was triggered by a power surge when public electricity was restored.
According to a preliminary report by LASEMA Permanent Secretary Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency received a distress call at about 2:40 a.m. and activated its emergency response from its Cappa Base in Oshodi.
Arriving at the scene by 3:22 a.m., responders observed active flames consuming the one-storey complex. “Preliminary investigations conducted by the LASEMA Response Team revealed that the fire ignited as a result of power surge when public power supply of electricity was restored. Fortunately there was no loss of lives, nor casualties involved as a result of the incident,” the statement read.
LASEMA conducted a risk assessment, cordoned off the area, and collaborated with other responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Nigeria Police Force, to contain the blaze and prevent its spread to adjoining buildings.
The agency stated that the entire complex and surrounding shops were completely razed, with all goods inside destroyed. A structural assessment of the building is now required due to partial compromise.
LASEMA urged commercial property owners in the area to review fire safety measures and storage protocols to prevent future incidents. Continuous damping-down operations are ongoing to eliminate residual heat and prevent re-ignition.
The rescue and recovery operation has concluded, but monitoring of the site will continue.
