A fire outbreak at a chemical warehouse in Mile II, Lagos, led to widespread looting as hoodlums took advantage of the chaos to burgle nearby offices and shops.
Eko Hot News reports that the incident occurred at a warehouse on Coker Market Road, Amuwo-Odofin Industrial Layout, stocked with hundreds of 200-litre drums of chemicals.
The inferno was still raging as firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service battled to contain the blaze.
Fire crews were deployed from Ajegunle, Sari Iganmu, Okota, and Alausa fire stations to prevent the fire from spreading.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that a swift and coordinated response helped bring the situation under control.
No casualties were recorded despite the hazardous nature of the chemicals involved.
A source at the scene disclosed that firefighters only gained full access to the warehouse around 4:00 a.m.
The delay was attributed to safety concerns caused by the intense heat and chemical exposure.
“I was called around 7:00 p.m. and returned this morning because my office is nearby,” the source said.
“The fire was intense, and the air was heavily polluted,” the source added.
Meanwhile, witnesses alleged that hoodlums exploited the absence of security in the early hours.
They reportedly broke into shops and offices within the area.
A witness, Kingsley Odi, claimed hoodlums from Ojo Road and Ajegunle invaded shortly after the fire began.
According to him, shops were broken into, and items such as doors, tiles, and water closets were stolen.
He further alleged that the office of the Nigeria Revenue Service was attacked.
The security guard was reportedly assaulted, while computers and phones were carted away.
Witnesses said even children were involved in the looting spree.
Business owners later mobilised soldiers to guard the area overnight.
They reportedly paid for security after threats of a return attack by the hoodlums.
Reacting, the Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
She urged residents and businesses to comply strictly with fire safety regulations.
The Lagos State Police Command said additional security would be deployed to restore order.
