A major fire outbreak in the early hours of Tuesday gutted a one-storey commercial building in Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos State, destroying computers and accessories valued at millions of naira.
The blaze, which occurred on Somoye Osundairo Street, affected a building predominantly occupied by dealers in computers and related accessories, once again highlighting concerns over frequent fire incidents in Nigeria’s largest technology market.
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), distress calls were received through the 767/112 emergency lines at about 1:55am, triggering the immediate activation of the state’s emergency response from its Command and Control Centre in Alausa.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, emergency responders arrived at the scene around 2:15am and were met with intense flames and thick smoke billowing from the structure.
“The fire occurred in a one-storey commercial building housing dealers in computers and accessories. The presence of highly combustible materials contributed significantly to the rapid spread of the fire,” he said.
Although the cause of the inferno is yet to be determined, LASEMA confirmed that investigations have commenced.
No fatalities were recorded during the incident. However, a firefighter from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service sustained minor injuries while battling the blaze and was treated at the scene by officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).
A preliminary damage assessment revealed that the entire upper floor of the building was completely destroyed, with all goods stored there consumed by the fire. The structure was also partially compromised, raising concerns about its stability and the need for urgent integrity tests.
Emergency responders cordoned off the area to prevent further danger, while safety measures were put in place to stop the fire from spreading to neighbouring buildings in the densely packed commercial district.
LASEMA noted that the swift and coordinated response by multiple agencies helped contain the fire and avert a larger disaster in Computer Village, an area known for congestion and poor safety compliance.
Firefighting operations have been concluded, while damping-down exercises are ongoing to eliminate residual heat and prevent re-ignition. Rescue and recovery efforts have also been completed.
The agency recommended a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire, a comprehensive structural assessment of the affected building, and a review of fire safety standards and storage practices across Computer Village and similar commercial hubs.
Agencies involved in the operation included LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASAMBUS, and the Nigeria Police Force.