A devastating fire has swept through the renowned Alaba International Market in Lagos State, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
The inferno, which broke out on Tuesday evening, consumed dozens of shops and warehouses, sending traders and residents into chaos. Thick plumes of smoke could be seen rising from several sections of the market as frantic efforts were made to bring the flames under control.
A live TikTok stream by user KB Clothings captured the heartbreaking scenes,traders screaming in despair, others struggling to save what little they could from their burning shops. The video showed hundreds of people weeping as years of investment went up in flames, while desperate cries for help echoed through the sprawling market complex.
Eyewitnesses accused market security personnel of reacting too slowly, alleging that the delay allowed the fire to spread uncontrollably across multiple blocks. “We called for help, but no one came on time,” one distraught trader was heard saying in the background of the video.
Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were later seen battling the blaze, using multiple fire trucks in an effort to contain the rapidly spreading inferno. As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire had not yet been determined, and officials were still working to assess the extent of the damage.
The Alaba International Market, situated along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, is one of Nigeria’s largest commercial centers, famous for its electronics, electrical equipment, and building materials. It serves as a vital trading hub for thousands of merchants from across Nigeria and West Africa.
The disaster has once again raised concerns about fire safety standards in major Nigerian markets, where incidents like this have become distressingly frequent, often leaving traders in financial ruin.
