30 shops razed in spare parts market fire – LASEMA

…Police commence investigation

…Peter Obi sympathises with victims

CITIZENS COMPASS– Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed that 38 shops were razed during fire outbreak at Akere Motor Spare Parts Market, Tolu, Olodi Apapa, Lagos.

LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu gave the confirmation in his updates on the inferno.

Citizens Compass reports that the body of a male adult was recovered from the scene of the fire outbreak.

However, residents alleged that the market was set on fire by some suspected arsonists who came to the market at about 2am.

A resident of Ora Street who pleaded anonymity said he suspected foul play before the market was set on fire.

He said suspected arsonists have made various unsuccessful attempts to set the market on fire. “We were taken aback to hear the sad news today.

“Shop owners in the market taxed themselves to get security guards who have disallowed the suspected arsonists to perpetrate their evil plans.

“There was unusual noise at the market entrance at about 2am as we heard the security guards pleading with some suspects not to set the market ablaze. Residents were afraid of coming out because the suspects are usually armed.

“After much plea to no avail, was like one of the security guards narrowly escaped and ran for his dear life but the other could not as he was overpowered.

“Like we later heard, his hands were tied to the back and his head smashed before the suspected arsonists struck .

“What surprised us is that despite the proximity of Tolu Police station to the scene, the suspects carried out their plans successfully without any hinderance.

“The fire travelled rapidly which suggested that the suspects wet the market with a strong chemical and carried out their operation unhindered.

“We have Bern hearing all manner of information about the fire outbreak. Some said the security guard was shot to death, some said he was burnt.

“There is palpable fear in the area because we don’t know what may happen next. ” He said.

A resident of Oso Drive, Emeka Nnamdi , said there was a failed attempt on the market about a week ago. “It was certain that the suspects repeated their visit overnight. ”

Our Correspondent who was in the axis before the fire was completely put out reports that there was apprehension at neighbouring streets like Yaya Crescent, Ora street, Kirikiri Road and other adjourning areas as residents were seen discussing the fire outbreak.

Residents were heard discussing among themselves that the fire disaster was the handiwork of suspected arsonists.

However, Osanyintolu said the cause of the fire could not be ascertained.

According to his updates, “The Lagos State First Responders have responded to a fire outbreak at Akere Motor Parts, Olodi-Apapa, today, Wednesday, 8th March, 2023.

“Consequent upon arrival of the Agency’s LRT at the scene, thirty eight (38) shops of spare parts were engulfed with fire.

“Further investigation gathered revealed that the immediate cause of the fire could not be ascertained.

“The fire had been completely put out and dampening down concluded by responders at the scene.

“The Agency’s Response Team, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, RRS, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps and Nigeria Police Force are the responders at the scene of

“The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu sympathises with the traders and promised them of the Government’s support in ameliorating the impact of the disaster.

“He thereafter met with the Chairman of the Akere Motor Parts and Allied Dealers Association (AMPADA), Mr. Izuchukwu Uba and reiterated the Government’s pledge of support to the victims affected.”

Police commence investigation

The Lagos State Police Command says it has commenced investigation into the early morning fire at the Akere Motor Spare Parts Market, Tolu, Olodi Apapa Lagos.

Spokesperson of the Command, Benjamin Hundeyin disclosed this to journalists on Wednesday, in a statement.

“The fire which started at about 0300hrs was put out by a combined team of officers from Tolu Police Division and the Lagos State Fire Service. Sadly, a 65-year-old security guard lost his life in the incident.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Idowu Owohunwa, has urged Lagosians to remain calm as the State Criminal Investigation Department has been directed to take over investigation towards unravelling the true circumstances surrounding the attack.

‘He equally calls for restraints in giving any form of extraneous coloration to the incident, while assuring that the outcome of the investigation will be made public.”

Peter Obi sympathises with victims of fire disaster

Meanwhile, Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi in his tweets commiserated with the victims of the fire disaster calling on security operatives to investigate the incident..

“This morning, I received the sad news of the fire outbreak at Akere Spare Parts Market in Olodi-Apapa, Ajegunle, Lagos. Hopefully no life was lost, but the means of livelihood and properties, worth millions of naira, lost to the inferno are of great concern to me.

” I commiserate deeply with all those affected by this fire disaster. I call on the government and relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the fire outbreak thoroughly, and forestall future occurrence, while finding ways to help the affected victims.”

Sanwo-Olu visits scene 

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has visited the scene of fire disaster  to assess the situation of the area after the very unfortunate fire incident.