Hoodlums at the weekend broke into a warehouse on Coker Market Road, Amuwo-Odofin Industrial Layout, Mile II, Lagos, carting away valuables from offices and shops amid a raging fire.
The blaze reportedly started around 7:00 p.m. in the warehouse, which was stocked with chemicals in hundreds of 200-litre drums, posing a significant risk to surrounding facilities.When newsmen visited the scene yesterday, the fire was still
burning as operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) battled to contain it. Firefighters from the Ajegunle, Sari Iganmu, Okota and Alausa fire stations were mobilised.
Through what the service described as a swift and coordinated intervention, the fire was eventually brought under control, preventing further escalation and damage to adjoining buildings. No casualties were recorded.
Speaking with The Guardian, a man who declined to have his name published said the fire service only gained access to the compound at about 4:00 a.m. yesterday because of the hazardous chemicals.
“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 said.
A witness, Kingsley Odi, alleged that hoodlums took advantage of the situation to loot nearby premises.
“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 added.
The Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, reiterated the agency’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging residents and business owners to adhere strictly to fire safety regulations at all times.
When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said the command would reach out to the Divisional Police Officer in the area and beef up security.
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