An early morning fire ravaged the Elegushi Model Market complex in Lekki, Lagos State, with authorities confirming that at least 48 shops were destroyed. The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, announced the incident, stating that the agency received an alert around 2 a.m. and quickly sent teams to the market, which was already on fire. The emergency response effort successfully contained the fire, preventing further destruction. Initial investigations by LASEMA suggest the blaze began in a makeshift stall before spreading to the main market building, although the exact cause is still undetermined. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported. A post-disaster evaluation confirmed that 48 shops were damaged. The Permanent Secretary stressed the necessity of fire prevention and preparedness for market traders, advising the market union to strategically place fire extinguishers to handle small incidents, and urging shop owners to install smoke detectors, fire alarms, and maintain vigilance against potential outbreaks. Authorities are continuing to assess the total damage and are collaborating with market officials to improve safety measures. This incident follows a separate late-night fire on Thursday, December 12, at the Berger Trailer Park in the Olodi-Apapa area of Ajegunle, Lagos, which reportedly destroyed several trailers, container shops, and piles of abandoned tires.
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