A fire that ripped through Mandilas Market on Lagos Island has destroyed four buildings and about 200 shops, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed on Thursday.
The fire, first reported around 7pm on September 16, found a ready feast in the market’s flammable wares—textiles, plastic goods, and footwear—allowing it to leap rapidly between four adjoining buildings and an estimated 200 shops.
Through the smoke-choked night, firefighters from state and federal agencies waged a desperate battle against the flames, their efforts illuminated by the orange glow of the devastation. One individual was rescued and is being treated for smoke inhalation, a miraculously low casualty count given the scale of the destruction.
As dawn broke, the full extent of the loss became clear: charred structures, melted inventory, and a community in shock. While police now cordon off the area to secure what remains, the Head of NEMA Lagos Operations pointed to the tragedy as a stark warning. “This incident underscores the urgent need for heightened safety precautions in markets where combustible goods are stored,” he stated.
