A tragic incident occurred in Lagos on Friday as a fire outbreak gutted shanties at the popular Alaba International Market in the Ojo area of the state, destroying properties worth millions of naira. However, mobs reportedly prevented fire emergency responders from accessing the scene to put out the fire for undisclosed reasons. Confirming the incident, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Magret Adeseye said, “Report reaching Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service at about 12 noon on Friday indicates shops at the popular Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos are on fire. However, fire crew from Ojo, Sari-Iganmu and Ajegunle are being turned back by angry mobs from performing their statutory duty but presently on standby. The agency is consequently collaborating with security agents to address it.” The cause of the fire outbreak is yet to be determined. The Alaba International Market is a major electronics and spare parts trading center in Lagos, known for its large crowds and densely packed stalls. The incident has left traders and shop owners at the market in distress as their livelihoods have been severely affected. Efforts are currently being made by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, with the support of security agents, to put out the fire and prevent further damage to properties. Details on the extent of the damage caused by the fire outbreak are yet to be ascertained.
The smoke from the fire caused panic within the premises, and people around the area rallied to prevent the spread of the fire to other parts of the palace. In a statement released by the monarch’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, it was confirmed that there were no casualties, loss of cultural items, or injuries as a result of the fire outbreak. The incident was attributed to a power surge. 
