A warehouse on Coker Market Road, Amuwo-Odofin Industrial Layout, Mile II, Lagos, was broken into by hoodlums who carted away valuables from offices and shops while a fire raged inside over the weekend,
The blaze reportedly ignited around 7:00 p.m. in the warehouse, which contained hundreds of 200-litre drums of chemicals, creating a serious hazard for surrounding structures.
A visit by The Guardian on Sunday revealed that firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were still battling to contain the blaze. Units from Ajegunle, Sari Iganmu, Okota, and Alausa fire stations had been mobilised to tackle the fire.
Through what the service described as a swift and coordinated effort, the fire was eventually brought under control, preventing it from spreading further. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
A man who requested anonymity told The Guardian, “I was called by 7:00 p.m., and returned here this morning because my office is in the adjoining building on the right-hand side. The fire is intense, and the air is polluted.”
He explained that firefighters only gained access to the compound at about 4:00 a.m. due to the hazardous chemicals stored inside.
Witness Kingsley Odi claimed that some opportunistic hoodlums took advantage of the chaos to loot nearby properties.
“Boys from Ojo Road, Ajegunle, came in when the fire started and began breaking shops because police and soldiers were not there then. They stole doors, tiles and water closets. They went into the office of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), formerly known as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). They injured the security guard, took his phone and stole systems in the office.
“They stole doors; even children were among those who stole. But while the looting was ongoing, business owners paid soldiers who kept night watch. The boys threatened to come back to loot,” he said.
Margaret Adeseye, Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, reiterated the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging business owners and residents to strictly observe fire safety regulations.
When contacted, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer Abimbola Adebisi stated that the command would liaise with the Divisional Police Officer in the area and strengthen security.
