A fire has devastated the Oko Baba plank market located in the Ebute Metta area of Lagos State. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.
LASEMA spokesman Nosa Okunbor reported that the LASEMA Response Team, along with the LRU Fire Unit and Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, has initiated a search and rescue operation at the market near Ibadan Street, Ebute Metta. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but fortunately, there were no reported injuries or fatalities.
"The fire destroyed the main plank market, significant parts of the shanties, and goods valued at millions of Naira," Okunbor stated.
LASEMA received distress calls through the 767/112 Toll-Free Emergency lines at 10:20 AM and activated its Cobra Squad from the Onipanu Base, arriving at the scene shortly thereafter. Upon arrival, responders found the plank market and surrounding shanties engulfed in flames.
As of the time of reporting, the cause and origin of the fire had not yet been determined. Okunbor noted that the fire has been fully extinguished, and emergency teams have secured the area.
"Dampening down is currently underway to prevent re-ignition," he added, mentioning that occupants have been informed about the dangers and main causes of fire outbreaks, as well as preventive measures for market areas.