Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the immediate and indefinite closure of the Dosunmu Market on Lagos island, following a devastating fire that razed 14 buildings on Tuesday.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business Distress, CBD, Mrs. Bola Olumegbon Lawal, who visited the scene of the incident, declared that commercial activities in the market and its environs will be halted indefinitely.
Lawal said the move was to avert any further dangers that could lead to loss of lives, adding that shutting down the market would help restore peace and order in the region.
News Central reported on Tuesday that a fire broke out at the Dosunmu market at about 11 am on Tuesday.
The source of the fire was linked to an explosion from a power generating set, which escalated into an inferno that led to an unquantifiable damage as traders battled to salvage what was left of their wares.
Overwhelmed by the raging fire, one of the massive buildings collapsed right behind our correspondent Adesewa Odusoga as she was giving live updates at the site.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service team fought to contain the fire, however, 14 buildings were affected, and 4 of the total number collapsed completely.
So far, no casualties have been reported.
The Dosunmu market fire on Tuesday was the second incident within 48 hours on the Lagos island.
On Monday, a Cosmetics and Hair Attachment section of Balogun Market in the central business district went up in flames. Reports said over 20 shops were completely destroyed.
Frequent fire outbreaks in the Nigerian market scene – with Lagos state worst hit – have continued to raise concerns.
Last month, the Lagos State Fire Service reported that at least 16 individuals died, and property estimated at N7billion was lost to fire outbreaks between January and March 2024.
