Panic gripped parts of Lagos early Saturday after a fire broke out at Yaba Market, leaving traders with significant losses.
The incident, which reportedly started around 3 a.m., quickly spread across several shops, destroying goods as traders and residents rushed to salvage what they could.
Eyewitnesses shared videos online showing thick smoke and raging flames consuming sections of the market. A TikTok user, Lugar Feliz, who livestreamed from the scene, said firefighters were already battling the blaze and identified the affected area as the Popo section of the market. Another user, Olamilekan Iyiola (@Olamilekan0932), described it as a “terrible fire outbreak in Yaba right now.”
Some residents criticised the emergency response. Adeoluwa (@Okunlola_Jude) claimed shops behind his house were completely burnt, with losses running into billions of naira, stating, “Fire service headquarters is just 10 minutes away, yet only one truck was brought to the scene.”
Sullex Print and Branding (@SullexBranding) also pointed to equipment issues, saying, “Three fire service trucks responded, but only one had water. The fire is currently at Ajibode Street, Yaba.”
As of Saturday morning, the cause of the fire remains unknown, and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is yet to release an official statement on the extent of damage or possible casualties.
Firefighting efforts were still ongoing, while residents called for better emergency preparedness.