Fire Destroys Makeshift Homes in Lagos

Scene of the fire incident. Photo: LASEMA

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has started looking into a fire that destroyed a group of makeshift homes in the Abule Oja area of Yaba.

In a statement on Wednesday, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary, said there were no casualties thanks to the quick action of emergency responders.

Oke-Osanyintolu mentioned that the fire broke out at 9/10 Abudu Street, Abule Oja, near UNILAG Road. Emergency teams were sent out right after they got the distress call.

Scene of the fire incident. Photo: LASEMA

The response team included members from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, UNILAG Fire Service, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Nigeria Police Force, and LASEMA’s Alpha Cobra Base.

Oke-Osanyintolu said their teamwork kept the fire from spreading to nearby buildings, even though the affected structures were highly flammable.

"The fire affected a cluster of residential makeshift structures. Due to the closeness of the buildings and the combustible materials inside, the flames spread quickly when responders arrived," the agency said.

He added that they managed to save a nearby two-storey building and that no lives were lost.

Scene of the fire incident. Photo: LASEMA

"Thanks to the hard work and bravery of our emergency personnel, the adjoining two-storey building was saved and, most importantly, no loss of life was reported," the statement continued.

He mentioned that they carried out damping-down operations to put out any remaining hotspots and to prevent a new fire from starting. The area was also secured for public safety.

He said a detailed damage assessment was already in progress and that relevant government agencies were getting ready to provide relief materials and assistance to those affected.

He noted that the cause of the fire is still unknown. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is investigating alongside other agencies.

The Permanent Secretary praised all emergency responders for their quick and professional actions. He also thanked residents for their cooperation during the operation.

Scene of the fire incident. Photo: LASEMA

He urged residents to follow fire safety tips, like avoiding poor electrical wiring, not overloading sockets, and having basic firefighting tools such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in their homes and businesses.