Our reporter visited the scene on Wednesday morning and observed that the affected section, located in the furniture area of the market, was still smouldering from the previous night’s inferno.
Some scenes of the fire incident are captured in pictures below.
Flames and thick smoke rise from the furniture section of Alaba International Market on Tuesday evening. Eyewitnesses said the fire started from “a little spark” before spreading rapidly through rows of shops. (Photo: X user Ikechukwu Ude)Flames and thick smoke rise from the furniture section of Alaba International Market on Tuesday evening. Eyewitnesses said the fire started from “a little spark” before spreading rapidly through rows of shops. (Photo: X user Ikechukwu Ude)Flames and thick smoke rise from the furniture section of Alaba International Market on Tuesday evening. Eyewitnesses said the fire started from “a little spark” before spreading rapidly through rows of shops. (Photo: X user Ikechukwu Ude)
Charred second floor
The second floor of a two-storey building, housing a law firm and a furniture warehouse, was completely destroyed. Traders reported losing goods worth millions of naira. (PREMIUM TIMES correspondent)The second floor of a two-storey building, housing a law firm and a furniture warehouse, was completely destroyed. Traders reported losing goods worth millions of naira. (PREMIUM TIMES correspondent)The second floor of a two-storey building, housing a law firm and a furniture warehouse, was completely destroyed. Traders reported losing goods worth millions of naira. (PREMIUM TIMES correspondent)The second floor of a two-storey building, housing a law firm and a furniture warehouse, was completely destroyed. Traders reported losing goods worth millions of naira. (PREMIUM TIMES correspondent)The second floor of a two-storey building, housing a law firm and a furniture warehouse, was completely destroyed. Traders reported losing goods worth millions of naira. (PREMIUM TIMES correspondent)The second floor of a two-storey building, housing a law firm and a furniture warehouse, was completely destroyed. Traders reported losing goods worth millions of naira. (PREMIUM TIMES correspondent)
Burnt Office Equipment
Books, chairs, and office equipment inside the law firm were damaged beyond recognition. Smoke continued to rise from the debris when PREMIUM TIMES visited the scene on Wednesday.Books, chairs, and office equipment inside the law firm were damaged beyond recognition. Smoke continued to rise from the debris when PREMIUM TIMES visited the scene on Wednesday.Books, chairs, and office equipment inside the law firm were damaged beyond recognition. Smoke continued to rise from the debris when PREMIUM TIMES visited the scene on Wednesday.Books, chairs, and office equipment inside the law firm were damaged beyond recognition. Smoke continued to rise from the debris when PREMIUM TIMES visited the scene on Wednesday.Books, chairs, and office equipment inside the law firm were damaged beyond recognition. Smoke continued to rise from the debris when PREMIUM TIMES visited the scene on Wednesday.
Firefighters at the Scene
Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service personnel were present at the scene. A staff member said firefighters had been on duty when the fire started and worked overnight to contain the blaze.
Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service personnel were present at the scene. A staff member said firefighters had been on duty when the fire started and worked overnight to contain the blaze.
Traders inspecting losses
Traders on Wednesday assess the damage and salvage what they could from the fire-ravaged building.Traders on Wednesday assess the damage and salvage what they could from the fire-ravaged building.Traders on Wednesday assess the damage and salvage what they could from the fire-ravaged building.Traders on Wednesday assess the damage and salvage what they could from the fire-ravaged building.
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Market overview
The Alaba International Market, one of West Africa’s largest hubs for electronics, furniture, and building materials, draws thousands of traders from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Fires like this highlight recurring safety challenges in the market.The Alaba International Market, one of West Africa’s largest hubs for electronics, furniture, and building materials, draws thousands of traders from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Fires like this highlight recurring safety challenges in the market.
The Alaba International Market, one of West Africa’s largest hubs for electronics, furniture, and building materials, draws thousands of traders from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Fires like this highlight recurring safety challenges in the market.
The Alaba International Market, one of West Africa’s largest hubs for electronics, furniture, and building materials, draws thousands of traders from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Fires like this highlight recurring safety challenges in the market.
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Afriland Tower incident
Lagos has seen a series of recent fire disasters, including the September blaze at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, which claimed 10 lives. Emergency responders continue to call for stricter fire safety measures across the city.
Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service personnel were present at the scene. A staff member said firefighters had been on duty when the fire started and worked overnight to contain the blaze.
The Alaba International Market, one of West Africa’s largest hubs for electronics, furniture, and building materials, draws thousands of traders from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Fires like this highlight recurring safety challenges in the market.
