It was yet another black Wednesday for traders at the popular Balogun Market on Lagos island, as eight storey buildings went up in a massive inferno destroying properties worth several millions of naira.
Thick smokes and balls of fire enveloped the entire Balogun and Broad Street atmosphere as fire fighters and emergency responders battle to salvage the buildings and traders’ wares.
Four months ago, on the same street, a four storey building which housed Brazass Textiles and Accessories was gutted by fire, while a building also collapsed.
Traders watch perplexed as their wares combust in the raging inferno. Of the eight buildings engulfed by the fire, two have caved in.
Eye witnesses said the fire started in a four-storey plaza at Martin Street, beside Great Nigeria Limited, Leventis Bus Stop, Lagos Island.
Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Director General of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, said on arrival at the scene of the incident, it was discovered that a four-storey plaza had been gutted by fire.
He said the cause was as a result of improper storage of fuel.
“This fire has escalated to adjoining buildings totaling seven in number, and now is being contained by the Emergency responders – Lagos State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service and NPA Fire Service. Seven buildings are affected and one has collapsed.
“All responders are on ground and progress is being made. We urge for calm and will provide further updates,” said Oke-Osanyintolu.