BREAKING NEWS:Fire Outbreak Hits Computer Village Ikeja, Destroys Goods Worth Millions
By: Olufemi Orunsola
A Tueaday morning fire outbreak has gutted a commercial building in Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos, leading to the loss of goods valued at several millions of naira.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the fire broke out on Somoye Street, a busy part of the popular technology hub.
The affected structure, being a one-storey building used mainly for storage and sales.
However, OTN News gathered that by the time help arrived, the fire had already spread across the upper floor.
Meanwhile, the incident affected main traders dealing in computers and related accessories.
Witnesses said the inferno started around midnight. Thick smoke and flames quickly took over the building due to the presence of highly flammable materials. Shop owners could only watch as their goods were consumed by the fire.
No death was recorded in the incident. However, one official of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service sustained minor injuries during the operation. The injured officer received immediate first aid from officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service at the scene.
Emergency responders were mobilised following distress calls. Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived alongside personnel from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency. Their swift response helped to contain the fire and stop it from spreading to nearby buildings.
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire had not been determined. Authorities said investigations are ongoing to establish both the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
Confirming the development, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, in a statement, said “All goods and properties worth several millions of naira stored therein were completely destroyed by the conflagration."
He explained that emergency teams took control of the area immediately after arriving at the scene.
“Upon arrival, the LASEMA Response Team conducted a risk assessment of the incident scene and cordoned off the affected area. Safety and precautionary measures were activated to forestall damage to adjoining buildings and the immediate environment,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
He added that the structure suffered partial damage and would require further safety evaluation. According to him, the quick action of responders played a key role in preventing a wider disaster within Computer Village.
Firefighting operations were later concluded, while cooling activities continued to prevent a fresh outbreak. The entire upper floor of the building was completely destroyed by the fire.
Meanwhile, traders, residents, and sympathisers gathered at the scene, expressing shock and frustration. Many affected shop owners were seen inspecting the remains of their shops and counting their losses.
However, as of press time, the cause of the fire had not been determined. Relevant emergency and regulatory agencies have begun investigations to establish both the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
Coming barely few weeks after the GNI Building fire incident which claimed many lives, the incident calls for a renewed public concerns on fire safety compliance in commercial buildings across Lagos, especially in areas with high human and business traffic.
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