A fire early Tuesday destroyed a one-storey commercial building on Somoye Street, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos State, wiping out property worth several millions of naira.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire, which broke out around midnight, affected a building housing dealers of computers and computer accessories.
No fatalities were recorded. However, a Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service official sustained minor injuries during firefighting operations and received first aid from Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) personnel at the scene.
Following distress alerts, operatives from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) quickly responded, successfully containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to neighbouring buildings.
As of reporting time, the cause of the fire was yet to be determined. The building, primarily used for storing and selling computers and accessories, contained large volumes of combustible materials, which contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Emergency and regulatory agencies have begun investigations to establish the fire’s origin and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The entire upper floor of the building was completely razed by the inferno.
Confirming the incident, LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, said:
“All goods and properties worth several millions of naira stored therein were completely destroyed by the conflagration.”
He added that preliminary assessment showed partial structural compromise, requiring immediate evaluation.
“Upon arrival, the LASEMA Response Team conducted a risk assessment of the scene and cordoned off the affected area. Safety and precautionary measures were activated to prevent damage to neighbouring buildings and the immediate environment,” Oke-Osanyintolu explained.
He credited the prompt intervention of emergency responders for preventing the fire from spreading further.
At press time, firefighting operations had concluded, while damping-down activities continued to eliminate residual heat and prevent re-ignition.
Meanwhile, traders, residents, and sympathisers gathered at the scene, lamenting the incident as affected shop owners began assessing their losses.
Elijah Adeyemi
