A fire erupted on Wednesday morning at 9/10 Abudu Street, Abule Oja, located near UNILAG Road in the Yaba area of Lagos State. The incident decimated a collection of temporary dwellings and various personal belongings.
Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), confirmed that emergency teams reached the scene quickly, ensuring no fatalities occurred. The rapid containment of the blaze was a collaborative effort involving the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Fire Service, UNILAG Fire Service, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force.
Officials noted that the fire intensified quickly because the structures were packed tightly together and built from highly flammable materials. Emergency crews successfully prevented the fire from reaching a nearby two-storey building and finished the operation by cooling the site to avoid reignition.
While an official investigation into the fire’s origin is ongoing, government agencies are currently conducting an impact assessment to coordinate humanitarian aid for those who lost their homes. Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu praised the responders for their efficiency and reminded the public to maintain safety standards, such as avoiding electrical overloads and keeping fire suppression equipment in their homes.
