The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has concluded emergency operations following a fire outbreak at Akanimodo Market, Mile 12, which was traced to a gas explosion.
The agency confirmed that no death or injury was recorded in the incident, which occurred on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
In a statement issued by its Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, LASEMA said investigations revealed that the fire started after a gas explosion in one of the shanties within the affected section of the market.
The explosion reportedly ignited combustible materials inside the structure, causing the flames to spread rapidly to adjoining shanties largely built with wooden planks and other flammable materials.
According to the agency, market traders and other bystanders made initial efforts to contain the fire before the arrival of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.
Although congestion and limited access initially hampered the firefighters’ movement to the scene, they eventually gained access and joined the operation.
LASEMA said its response team coordinated the emergency operation, supervised firefighting activities and worked with security personnel to control crowds and restrict unauthorised access to the affected area.
The fire was eventually extinguished, while firefighters carried out dampening-down operations to eliminate residual flames and prevent a possible secondary outbreak.
The agency added that a comprehensive safety assessment of the affected shanties and surrounding areas was conducted, with no remaining hotspots or immediate fire hazards identified.
It also disclosed that traders and other affected persons were sensitised on the safe handling and storage of cooking gas cylinders and other cooking materials.
LASEMA urged residents and traders to observe fire safety regulations, particularly in congested markets and structures built with combustible materials.
The agency reaffirmed its readiness to respond to emergencies and urged members of the public to report incidents through the state’s toll-free emergency numbers, 767 and 112.