A massive fire outbreak in the early hours of Tuesday, February 25, 2025, devastated two major markets in Lagos State—Ladipo Market in Mushin and Owode Onirin Market along Ikorodu Road.
The infernos, which erupted around 1 a.m., engulfed numerous shops and warehouses, leading to the loss of goods worth millions of naira. Among the worst affected were traders dealing in vehicle spare parts, motorcycles, household electrical appliances, and mechanical tools.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire at Ladipo Market originated in Warehouse A before spreading rapidly to surrounding shops.
Despite challenges in accessing the affected areas, emergency response teams from the Isolo, Bolade, and Alausa Fire Stations worked tirelessly to contain the inferno by 6 a.m., preventing it from spreading further.
At Owode Onirin Market, where shops selling metallic materials were impacted, firefighters from Alausa and Ikorodu successfully brought the blaze under control by 5 a.m.
Confirming the incident, Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, stated that there were no reported casualties.
“Thankfully, no casualties were recorded in either incident. The causes of the fires will be ascertained as soon as firefighting operations progress to the next stage,” she said.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the Ladipo Market fire may have been triggered by a power surge following electricity restoration.
Reacting to the tragedy, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressed deep concern over the losses suffered by traders.
In a statement via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, he wrote, “The sad news of the fire outbreak at the Ladipo and Owode Onirin markets in Lagos, which have resulted in the loss of goods worth several millions of naira, is deeply saddening.”
Obi further acknowledged the difficult economic conditions already burdening traders, stressing the urgency of preventive measures.
“These tragic incidents, occurring at a time when traders are already facing immense difficulties, underscore the urgent need for decisive action to prevent future occurrences,” he stated.
Extending his sympathies to those affected, Obi called for immediate government intervention to aid the victims. “My thoughts are with the affected traders and their families,” he said.
He urged authorities to step in with relief measures, adding, “I urge the authorities to provide immediate relief and long-term support to help them rebuild.”
Emphasizing the need for proactive disaster management strategies, he noted, “We must work together to safeguard lives and livelihoods, ensuring such tragedies do not happen again.”
Leaders of the Ladipo International Market have also lamented the extensive damage and financial losses suffered by traders. The market’s President-General, Prince Africanus Ogudoro, narrated the moment he received news of the fire.
“I was at home at night when I received a report from our Task Force chairman that Warehouse A of Ladipo was on fire, and we immediately rushed out,” he recalled. Estimating the loss to be in the billions of naira, he highlighted the struggles traders face in recouping their losses.
Speaking on the issue of insurance, Ogudoro expressed frustration over the inefficiencies of the system in Nigeria. “Insurance in Nigeria is a legitimate fraud; it doesn’t work. The system is so flawed that insurance does not cover losses, and it shouldn’t be so,” he stated.
