Goods worth millions of Naira destroyed as fire razes Lafenwa market

Goods worth several millions of Naira were on Monday night destroyed by fire that engulfed no fewer than 10 shops in popular Lafenwa market in Abeokuta North local government area of Ogun State.

It was gathered that the fire, which started around 8:00 pm on Monday, 

originated from a dumpsite behind the shops.

According to eyewitnesses, a 'good Samaritan', due to an excess of refuse, set fire to the dumpsite in the evening, assuming the flames would be safely extinguished by 7:30 pm. 

Mrs. Munirat Akinfenwa, said the situation, however took a tragic turn as the fire spread rapidly, consuming numerous shops.

Akinfenwa said, shortly after she returned home, she receive an emergency call that the market was on fire.

Upon reaching the market, the extent of the damage became apparent, with no fewer than 10 shops already reduced to ashes. The fire services were summoned, but their efforts could not prevent the substantial loss.

Muinatu Olawoyin, Osi Iyaloja Lafenwa, expressed sorrow over the incident and lamented the improper disposal of refuse behind the market. 

She commended the swift response of the DPO of Lafenwa Police Station, the local government Chairman, and various agencies including Oodua Peoples Congress , Amotekun, TRACE, and market women who collaborated to combat the fire.

Iyaloja Lafenwa, Alhaja Sidikatu Owe, extended gratitude to Iyaloja Egba, emergency services, and government officials for their prompt intervention. 

She underscored the disobedience of individuals contributing to the dumpsite problem and called for adherence to proper waste disposal practices.

Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, visited the scene on behalf of the governor to commiserate with the affected market women. 

He expressed the governor’s sadness over the incident and pledged a  swift government intervention. 

Oresanya emphasised the dangers of indiscriminate refuse burning during the harmattan season, declaring the dumpsite illegal.

In response, he assured that the state government, in collaboration with local authorities, would construct additional stalls to discourage roadside displays. 

While no lives were lost, the Lafenwa market fire serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of improper waste disposal, prompting the government to promise urgent measures to alleviate the impact on those affected.