Fire Razes Shops in Yaba Market as Panic Grips Residents

Fire Razes Shops in Yaba Market as Panic Grips Residents
Videos circulating on social media captured thick smoke and raging flames tearing through sections of the market
Residents raised concerns over the emergency response

Panic erupted in parts of Lagos in the early hours of Saturday following a fire outbreak at a market in the Yaba area.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the blaze, which reportedly started around 3 a.m., engulfed several shops and destroyed goods worth millions of naira, according to eyewitness accounts.

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Videos circulating on social media captured thick smoke and raging flames tearing through sections of the market, as traders and residents rushed to salvage whatever they could.

An eyewitness, Lugar Feliz, who streamed the incident live on TikTok, confirmed that firefighters were present at the scene, identifying the affected area as the Popo section of Yaba Market.

Another eyewitness, Olamilekan Iyiola, described the situation as a “terrible fire outbreak,” highlighting the intensity of the blaze.

However, some residents raised concerns over the emergency response. A resident, Adeoluwa, claimed that shops behind his property were completely destroyed, estimating losses in billions of naira.

Fire Razes Shops in Yaba Market as Panic Grips Residents

“Fire service headquarters is just 10 minutes away, yet only one truck was brought to the scene,” he lamented.

Similarly, a business owner, Sullex Print and Branding, pointed to equipment challenges, alleging that although three fire service trucks responded, only one had water.

As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire remains unknown, while the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has yet to issue an official statement on the extent of damage or possible casualties.

Firefighters were still working to contain the situation, as residents called for improved emergency response systems to prevent future occurrences.