Amanze Chinonye
A late-evening fire swept through a section of Arena Market in Oshodi, Lagos State, leaving several traders counting heavy losses after shops and goods were destroyed, Prime Business Africa reports.
The fire broke out at the Army Arena Market along Agege Motor Road in the Bolade area of Oshodi. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said it received an emergency call at about 5:50 p.m. and promptly deployed firefighting crews to the scene.
Confirming the incident, the Controller of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, said firefighters arrived quickly and succeeded in confining the blaze to a limited section of the market. She explained that about 10 containerised shops five units on each side were affected in the incident.
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Adeseye noted that the affected shops were largely used for storing and selling clothing materials, most of which were destroyed by the fire. She added that no deaths or injuries were recorded, as the emergency response helped to protect lives and prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining sections of the market.
“The fire has been completely brought under control, and there is no threat to surrounding structures,” she said, adding that investigations would be carried out to determine the cause of the outbreak.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) had earlier alerted the public to the incident, confirming that emergency responders were on ground while traffic around the busy Oshodi corridor was managed to allow firefighting operations.
Eyewitnesses said traders rushed to salvage what they could as smoke and flames rose from the affected area, briefly disrupting commercial activities in the market.
Arena Market is a major trading hub in Oshodi, one of Lagos’ most densely populated and commercially active districts. The incident has once again drawn attention to the recurring issue of fire outbreaks in markets across the state, with authorities urging traders and market operators to observe basic fire-safety precautions, particularly in the use of electrical appliances and storage facilities.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
