Residents of Oko Baba Saw Mill, Kadara Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, yesterday, recounted losses following the fire that gutted their shops on Monday, July 18, 2022. The Monday incident was the second in Oko Baba this year.When The Guardian visited the scene yesterday, the residents were rebuilding their shops and makeshift shelters affected by the fire. While the men were seen gathering planks and constructing the shelters, the women were making tents with sacks and wrappers, while some were still lamenting their losses. They also alleged foul play on the part of the Lagos State government, whom they claimed wanted them out of the place by all means. However, a young man claimed that the fire was caused by a power surge. A resident, Maryam Gbenle, who spoke with newsmen, lamented that the residents are left with nothing and called for help. She said: “The fire destroyed everything we had. We couldn’t pick anything from our shelters, not even extra cloth. The fire came suddenly and we saw some people pouring petrol into the fire. “They want us out of this place and two of the thugs said they were carrying out the Lagos State government order that we should be evicted. “We have reported the duo to the governor’s office several times, but nothing has been done. No action has been taken against them. We are being punished because we are poor.

“The fire started at about 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and we have been sleeping outside since the incident happened, we have babies with us too. So how do we cope?

“We are not comfortable living in the slum, in a dirty condition but we don’t have other means and that is why we are here. A trader, Samuel Ikugbe said: “The first fire started at about 1:00 p.m., but it was put out and we thought that was all. Later, the fire started again and consumed everything. “I couldn’t get a pin out from my four shops. I am left with nothing, I don’t know where to start from.”