A major fire outbreak destroyed goods worth millions of naira in a one-storey commercial building located on Somoye Osundairo Street within the bustling Computer Village, Ikeja area of Lagos State. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, January 20, at approximately 1:55 am, prompting the immediate activation of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency’s (LASEMA) emergency response plan from its Command and Control Centre in Alausa.

Upon arrival, LASEMA Response Teams observed active flames and dense smoke engulfing the commercial structure, which housed numerous dealers in computers and related accessories. The presence of a high volume of highly combustible materials within the building significantly contributed to the rapid spread and intensity of the conflagration, posing a substantial challenge to firefighting efforts.

The inferno completely razed the entire upper floor of the building, resulting in the total destruction of all goods and properties stored therein, valued at several millions of naira. While thankfully no fatalities were reported, LASEMA confirmed that a few firefighters sustained minor injuries during the rigorous operation to contain the blaze. The structure itself was also partially compromised and will require a comprehensive safety assessment.

In response to the emergency, LASEMA’s team conducted an immediate risk assessment, cordoned off the affected area, and coordinated a multi-agency effort. This joint response involved the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASAMBUS, and the Nigeria Police Force, working synergistically to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring structures. Firefighting operations successfully suppressed and contained the fire within the affected building, with damping-down operations ongoing to prevent any re-ignition. The cause of the fire remains unknown and is currently under investigation by the agency.