THE Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has revealed that a fire has devastated the Oko Baba plank market in the Ebute Metta area of Lagos State
This was revealed in a statement by LASEMA spokesman Nosa Okunbor, who reported that officials from the LASEMA Response Team, LRU Fire Unit, and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service have initiated a search and rescue operation at the scene, located on Ibadan Street, Ebute Metta.
While the cause of the fire remains unknown, Okunbor confirmed that no live were lost, and no injuries were recorded.
However, the blaze destroyed the main plank market, a large portion of the surrounding shanties, and goods valued at millions of naira.
He stated that LASEMA received distress calls through the 767/112 Toll-Free Emergency lines at 10:20 AM, prompting the activation of its Cobra Squad from the Onipanu Base, which arrived at the site at 11:20 AM.
Upon their arrival, the responders observed a fire consuming a vast area of the market and its shanties.
At the time of reporting, the exact cause and origin of the fire had not been determined.
However, the fire has since been completely extinguished, and emergency responders have secured the area.
Okunbor also mentioned that “dampening down” efforts are ongoing to prevent re-ignition, while occupants of the market have been educated on fire hazards, common causes, and prevention methods in market environments.
