A devastating fire has destroyed goods worth millions of naira at Arena Market in Oshodi, Lagos, causing heavy losses to traders and disrupting commercial activity in the area.
Eko Hot News reports that the inferno broke out on Tuesday evening, affecting several containerised shops used for storing and selling clothing materials and other merchandise within the bustling market.
Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that emergency responders were swiftly deployed to the scene following a distress call received around 5:50 p.m., enabling firefighters to prevent the blaze from spreading to other sections of the market.
Eyewitnesses said the fire spread rapidly due to the nature of goods stored in the affected shops, with thick smoke engulfing parts of the market and drawing a large crowd of traders and residents.
Preliminary findings indicated that at least 10 shops were razed by the fire, while several others suffered partial damage before firefighters brought the situation under control.
Fire service officials stated that there were no casualties recorded during the incident, a development attributed to the timely response and cooperation of traders who vacated the area.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, as authorities have launched an investigation to determine what triggered the outbreak and assess compliance with safety standards.
Affected traders expressed deep concern over their losses, noting that many had stocked goods for the festive season and are now facing financial hardship.
This incident has renewed calls for improved fire safety measures across major markets in Lagos, especially densely populated commercial hubs prone to electrical faults and storage risks.
State authorities have assured traders of continued sensitisation on fire prevention, while urging market associations to enforce safety regulations to avoid future disasters.
