A massive fire has broken out at the Oko Baba plank market in Ebute Metta, Lagos, causing widespread destruction and prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Officials from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) are currently on the scene conducting search and rescue operations.
According to an eyewitness account from X user Adedeji Olalekan, tweeting as #Stylomedia, the fire has also engulfed nearby shanties, exacerbating the damage.
“Okobaba Street is on fire now, all the shanties are burning,” Olalekan tweeted.
LASEMA spokesperson Nosa Okunbor confirmed the incident to The Punch, providing a brief update via WhatsApp.
“LASEMA Response Team, LRU Fire Unit, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service are in search and rescue operation at Oko Baba plank market by Ibadan Street, Ebute Metta,” Okunbor stated.
The immediate cause of the fire is currently unknown, but officials have reported no casualties so far. However, goods worth millions of naira are believed to have been destroyed in the blaze.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid the area and allow emergency services to carry out their operations effectively. Further updates on the situation are expected as the firefighting and rescue efforts continue.
