Lagos Fire Service Links Alaba Market Inferno To Power Surge And Negligence After Late-Night Electrical Restoration

 

Residents and traders around the Alaba International Market in Ojo, Lagos, were thrown into confusion on Tuesday evening after a sudden fire engulfed parts of the sprawling commercial hub. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has now traced the cause of the blaze to a power surge, made worse by negligence on the part of some shop owners.

According to the agency, the fire started shortly after power supply was restored in the area. It explained that some traders left their electrical appliances plugged in after closing for the day, allowing a surge of electricity to trigger the inferno. The incident, which occurred around 7:18 p.m., affected several lock-up shops within a two-storey building located at 155 Olojo Drive, opposite Tantalizers, inside the Alaba International Market complex.

The fire service revealed that it received the distress call at exactly 7:18 p.m., prompting an immediate dispatch of firefighters from the Ojo and Ijegun-Egba stations. Responders said they arrived at the scene to find thick plumes of smoke rising into the night sky as flames tore through sections of the upper floor. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with traders rushing back to salvage what they could from their shops.

Several onlookers gathered helplessly as firefighters battled the flames, which spread quickly due to the congested layout of the market. The building that caught fire, according to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, covered about 648 square meters within a larger market premises estimated to span over five hectares. Each storey was tightly packed with shops selling electronics, household goods, and electrical accessories, a combination that fueled the intensity of the blaze.

Officials disclosed that no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded, a development many described as a relief considering the scale of the fire. However, the destruction of valuable goods left several traders counting heavy losses. Some witnesses said the flames might have been less severe if there had been faster access to the affected areas. Many shops were locked up for the day, and firefighters had to force their way through metal doors and shutters to reach the burning sections.

A senior officer at the scene explained that the delay caused by these locked shops allowed the fire to gain momentum before full suppression efforts could begin. "Most of the shops were already closed, and we had to use tools to break into some of them. That process consumed time, and by the time we got full access, the flames had intensified," the officer said.

Officials further noted that the fire was eventually confined to the upper floor of the building. They credited the coordinated effort of multiple response teams for preventing it from spreading to adjacent structures within the crowded market environment. By late evening, the flames had been successfully extinguished, and the scene was cordoned off for investigation.

Traders who spoke to reporters expressed mixed feelings. While some were thankful that no one was hurt, others lamented the poor safety culture in the market. A trader who identified himself simply as Uche said, "We have been talking about faulty wiring and illegal connections for years, but nothing serious is done. Every time there is a power surge, sparks fly everywhere. This was bound to happen."

Another shop owner, visibly shaken, recounted how he received a call that his shop was on fire while he was already at home. "By the time I got there, everything was gone. I just bought new goods last week," he said.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service emphasized that the disaster could have been avoided if safety guidelines were followed. It urged traders and market associations to ensure that all electrical appliances are properly switched off before leaving their shops. The agency also encouraged the use of certified electricians and regular inspection of wiring systems to prevent future incidents.

According to the agency’s statement, "Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from the topmost floor of the building shortly after electricity was restored, due to negligence on the part of some shop owners. Access to the affected areas proved challenging as most shops were closed for the day, necessitating forced entry to gain access and suppress the fire. The delay contributed to the spread of the flames, which was, however, confined to the floor."

While the market community continues to assess the financial impact of the inferno, attention is turning toward the need for improved electrical infrastructure and emergency preparedness. Safety experts have called for the enforcement of fire safety regulations in major Lagos markets, noting that many such facilities operate with outdated wiring systems and poor emergency exits.

Alaba International Market, known as one of West Africa’s largest electronics markets, has faced similar incidents in the past. Fires have often been linked to power surges, illegal electrical connections, or careless handling of generators. Despite repeated warnings, enforcement of safety protocols remains weak, leaving thousands of traders vulnerable to devastating losses.

As dawn broke over Ojo the morning after the inferno, the charred remains of shops stood as grim reminders of yet another preventable tragedy. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reiterated its commitment to continuous public education and inspection of markets across the city. It assured residents that efforts are ongoing to ensure stricter compliance with fire safety standards.

The agency also praised the cooperation of local residents and traders who assisted during the firefighting operation, adding that such collaboration remains crucial in minimizing damage during emergencies. With investigations still ongoing, the government is expected to liaise with market leaders to strengthen preventive measures and ensure that incidents like this do not recur.

For now, the focus remains on rebuilding and restoring normalcy to the bustling commercial hub that serves as a vital nerve center for trade in Lagos and beyond.