In a shocking turn, the vibrant Ladipo Plank Market in Lagos State became the unfortunate victim of a devastating midnight inferno, leading to a significant loss of goods and property.

While the incident sent shockwaves through the local community, there was a silver lining in the form of no reported casualties. Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority's (LASEMA) Permanent Secretary, confirmed this welcome news.

Dr. Oke-Osanyitolu stated, "Upon receiving distress calls, our agency swiftly responded and arrived at the scene, only to be met by a distressing sight—a raging fire consuming the Ladipo Plank Market. Thankfully, there were no lives lost in this unfortunate incident. However, the extent of damage to goods and property is still being assessed due to the intensity of the inferno."

As the sun began to rise, efforts to combat the blaze continued. Officials from LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire Service, and the Federal Fire Service tirelessly worked together to bring the fire under control. Their collaborative efforts and determination to minimize the destruction were evident as they battled the flames.

This distressing incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and preparedness in markets and public places. As investigations into the cause of the fire begin, the affected traders and community members are left to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event. The support and assistance of local and state governments will undoubtedly be instrumental in helping them rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

Our thoughts are with the affected traders and their families, and we hope that the resilience of Lagos State will shine through as they recover from this devastating setback.