Goods worth millions have been destroyed after fire razed the popular Alaba International market in the Ojo area of Lagos State.
The fire, the Nation learnt, started on Friday morning from a shop where gas cylinders were stored before spreading to other parts of the market.
The traders reportedly resorted to self-help to put out the fire before the arrival of emergency responders.
Read Also: ‘Why we’ve recorded near zero mortality rate in fire incident’
A statement by the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, informed the incident had degenerated into a security situation as officials of the agency were unable to gain access into the market.
The statement reads: “Report reaching Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service 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.
“We are collaborating with security agents to address the situation.”