A major fire outbreak has destroyed a commercial building in Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos State, resulting in the loss of goods worth several millions of naira.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday on Somoye Street, a busy axis of the popular technology hub, and affected traders dealing in computers and related accessories.
The fire reportedly started around midnight in a one-storey commercial building used mainly for storage and sales. By the time emergency responders arrived, the inferno had already spread across the upper floor of the structure, fuelled by highly flammable materials stored inside.
Eyewitnesses said thick smoke and raging flames quickly engulfed the building, leaving shop owners helpless as their goods were consumed by the fire.
No life was lost in the incident. However, one official of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service sustained minor injuries during firefighting operations and was treated at the scene by officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).
Emergency responders, including officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), were mobilised following distress calls. Their swift intervention helped to contain the fire and prevented it from spreading to nearby buildings within Computer Village.
Confirming the incident, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed that the losses recorded were total.
“All goods and properties worth several millions of naira stored therein were completely destroyed by the conflagration,” he said.
He added that emergency teams immediately took control of the area upon arrival.
“The LASEMA Response Team conducted a risk assessment and cordoned off the affected area. Safety and precautionary measures were activated to prevent damage to adjoining buildings and the immediate environment,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
According to him, the building suffered partial structural damage and would require further safety evaluation, noting that the rapid response of emergency agencies helped avert a wider disaster.
Firefighting operations were later concluded, while cooling activities continued to prevent a reoccurrence. The entire upper floor of the building was completely destroyed.
Meanwhile, traders, residents and sympathisers gathered at the scene, expressing shock and frustration as affected shop owners inspected the remains of their shops and counted their losses.
As of press time, the cause of the fire had not been established. Relevant emergency and regulatory agencies have commenced investigations to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
The development has once again raised concerns over fire safety compliance in Lagos, particularly in high-density commercial areas like Computer Village.
