Massive Fire Devastates Ajah Market in Lagos, Millions in Goods Destroyed
By Okafor Joseph Afam
November 4, 2024
On Sunday night, a fire broke out at the bustling Ajah Market near Alesh Bus Stop in Lekki, Lagos State, causing extensive damage to goods valued at millions of naira.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire began around 9 p.m., swiftly engulfing shops and stalls packed with various goods. Traders, who had left the market for the night, could do little as the fire rapidly consumed row after row of merchandise, leaving a devastating scene of charred debris.
Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), confirmed that emergency responders, including LASEMA and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, arrived quickly on the scene to combat the blaze. Despite their swift response, the intensity of the fire made it difficult to contain at first.
“The LASEMA Response Team, in collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures,” Oke-Osanyintolu said. He added that, while the precise cause of the fire remains unknown, authorities are investigating potential factors.
Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported as the market was closed for Sunday, but many traders now face significant financial setbacks with their goods destroyed.
As the embers die down, traders and local authorities are beginning to assess the scale of losses, with hopes for swift intervention to support those affected by the tragedy.
