Traders at the Arena Market in Oshodi, Lagos State, are reeling from significant losses after a fierce fire outbreak gutted several stalls in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The blaze, which erupted around 2:00 AM WAT, destroyed goods worth millions of naira, leaving shop owners and vendors grappling with the financial fallout.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started suddenly and spread rapidly through the market, consuming stalls stocked with clothing, electronics, and other goods.
Despite the swift response from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, which deployed firefighters to the scene, numerous shops were reduced to ashes before the flames were brought under control.
No casualties have been reported, but the emotional toll on traders is palpable.
“I lost everything—clothes, shoes, my entire stock,” said Mama Tolu, a fabric trader who has operated in the market for over a decade.
“This is my livelihood; I don’t know where to start.” Another trader, Chinedu Okoye, estimated his losses at over ₦2 million, lamenting the lack of insurance to cushion the blow.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting possible electrical faults or an unattended heat source.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) is working alongside fire service officials to ascertain the exact trigger.
“We are conducting a thorough assessment to determine the cause and extent of the damage,” said a LASEMA spokesperson.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed sympathy for the affected traders, promising government support.
“We are working to assist those impacted and will ensure measures are put in place to prevent future occurrences,” a statement from his office read.
Authorities have cordoned off the affected area as cleanup and investigations continue, while traders are left to salvage what remains of their businesses.
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