Tension gripped parts of Lagos in the early hours of Saturday after a fire broke out at a market in the Yaba area, destroying several shops and valuable goods.
The blaze reportedly started around 3 a.m., quickly spreading through sections of the market as traders and residents rushed to salvage what they could. Videos shared online captured thick smoke and raging flames tearing through affected areas.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that emergency responders were already on ground as the situation unfolded. One observer identified the affected location as the Popo section of Yaba Market, while another described the incident as a “terrible fire outbreak in Yaba right now.”
Some residents, however, voiced concerns over the response efforts, claiming the damage could have been minimized with quicker intervention. One affected individual said shops behind his residence were completely razed, with losses running into billions of naira.
He added, “Fire service headquarters is just 10 minutes away, yet only one truck was brought to the scene.”
Another account pointed to operational challenges faced by responders, stating, “Three fire service trucks responded, but only one had water. The fire is currently at Ajibode Street, Yaba.”
As of Saturday morning, the cause of the fire had not been determined, and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service had yet to release an official update on the extent of damage or possible casualties.
Firefighters continued efforts to contain the blaze, while residents called for improved emergency response measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
