Fire Destroys Shops at Alaba International Market in Lagos

A fire outbreak has destroyed several shops and plazas at the Alaba International Market in Ojo, Lagos State, late Tuesday evening.

Videos circulating on social media showed thick black smoke and flames engulfing parts of the market located near the Ojo Local Government Secretariat, as traders and residents watched helplessly.

Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were seen battling to put out the fire, which affected several sections of the market before it was eventually brought under control.

The cause of the incident had not been immediately determined at the time of filing this report, and no casualties had been confirmed.

The Alaba International Market, situated along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, is one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs, known for its electronics, furniture, and building materials.

Tuesday’s inferno adds to the growing number of market fires reported in Lagos in recent months. In September, at least 10 people were killed in a fire at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial complex on Broad Street, Lagos Island.

Authorities have once again urged traders to observe safety measures and ensure all electrical connections within markets meet approved standards.