In the early hours of Wednesday, Akere Spare Parts Market, Ajegunle in the Apapa area of Lagos State caught fire. Goods worth millions of naira were lost in the inferno.
The Director of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Adeseye Margaret, stated that Ajegunle Fire Station was the first respondent to the emergency.
Eyewitnesses noticed that rows of shops that traded in auto spare parts were well alight. Next, Sari-Iganmu and Ilupeju Fire Crews of the Agency joining up to subdued the raging fire. They managed to salvage a nearby major market Petroleum Filling Station with a fully loaded 33,000 liters PMS tanker too. Some adjoining buildings were also saved. The Lagos Neighborhood and Safety Corps and the Red Cross were also in attendance.
Finally, after the fire was put out, the lifeless body of a 65-year old man was discovered. Furthermore, the man was said to be the security guard of the market which had been gutted.
The adult male was discovered by the Tolu Police Division of the Nigerian Police Force. The Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the deceased was shot dead. Again, this is a shocker as it was formerly speculated that he had died in the inferno.
The Director of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Adeseye Margaret made a statement. She said the cause of the incident would require an investigation. It was to account for the number of lockup shops and wares lost. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Lastly, this is a huge economic loss for people. In a time when there is neither abundance of cash nor food, lives will be affected.
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