By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
Goods estimated to about several millions of Naira have been destroyed in an inferno that razed 12 shops at the popular Alaba International market in Lagos, New Nigerian Newspapers has learnt.
One of the traders was said to have sustained severe burnt as the fire raged uncontrollably and was rushed to a private hospital.
Following the non arrival of fire fighters and other emergency responders, the traders were said to have resolved to source water on their own to put out the fire after all efforts to get officials of the Lagos State fire service to the scene proved abortive.
The inferno, which broke out at the early hours on Friday, from a shop where cylinders were stored, disrupted commercial activities within the market located in Ojo Local Government area of the state.
The Director, Lagos State Fire, and Rescue Service, Adeseye Margaret, who confirmed the inferno, alleged that the emergency officials responded to the distress call immediately but were turned back by the traders.
Adeseye, in a short statement made available to newsmen, added that the emergency officials from Ojo, Sari-Iganmu, and Ajegunle stations have been mandated to stay some meters away from the scene, pending when the traders would allow them to assist.
According to the statement, reports 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 are presently on standby. The agency is consequently collaborating with Security Agents to address it.
