A massive fire broke out at the renowned Alaba International Market in Ojo, Lagos State, on Tuesday evening, October 21, 2025. The inferno destroyed several shops, causing widespread panic among traders and residents.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire began around 8:30 PM and rapidly spread through various sections of the market. Shops filled with electronics and building materials were particularly affected. Traders were seen attempting to salvage their goods, but the intensity of the flames made it nearly impossible.
A trader, who identified himself as Chike, mentioned that the fire seemed to have originated from one of the electronics sections before spreading to adjoining shops. “We just saw thick smoke coming from one of the blocks, and people started shouting for help,” he said. “Before we could bring water, the fire had already consumed everything. Many people lost all their goods.”
Another shop owner, Mariam, recounted the chaos:
“People were shouting and running in different directions. Some tried to remove their goods, but the flames were too much. By the time the fire service came, most of the shops were gone.”
Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, including teams from Ojo and Sari-Iganmu, responded to the emergency. However, due to the scale of the fire, it took several hours to bring it under control. Residents noted that the initial response was delayed, possibly due to access challenges within the market.
The cause of the fire has not been officially determined, and investigations are ongoing. No casualties have been reported, but the financial losses are significant, with traders estimating damages in the millions of naira.
Alaba International Market is one of Nigeria’s largest hubs for electronics and building materials, attracting traders from across the country and West Africa. The fire has left many traders devastated, with some losing their entire stock. The incident has raised concerns about fire safety measures within the market and the need for improved emergency response protocols.
Authorities have assured the public that investigations are underway, and efforts will be made to support affected traders. The Lagos State Government has urged market leaders to collaborate with fire safety experts to prevent future incidents.
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