One of the entrances to Ikeja Computer Village Trading Complex, Lagos
Fire outbreak has gutted commercial wing in Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos, leading to the loss of goods valued at several millions of naira.
The incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday and affected traders dealing in computers and related accessories.
The fire which broke out in the early hours of Tuesday morning, touched a building on Somoye Street, a busy part of the popular technology hub. The affected structure was a one-storey building used mainly for storage and sales. By the time help arrived, the fire had already spread across the upper floor.
Eye 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.
Though no death was recorded in the incident, 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.
Confirming the development, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed that the losses were total.
“All goods and properties worth several millions of naira stored therein were completely destroyed by the conflagration,” he said.
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.
