LASEMA CONCLUDES MILE 12 MARKET FIRE OPERATION, CAUSE TRACED TO GAS EXPLOSION, NO CASUALTIES RECORDED
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has successfully concluded emergency operations following the fire outbreak at Akanimodo Market, Mile 12, in line with the commitment of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to prompt emergency response and protection of lives and property.
Following a thorough investigation and assessment of the incident scene, it was established that the fire outbreak was triggered by a gas explosion from one of the shanties within the affected section of Akanimodo Market. The explosion subsequently ignited combustible materials within the structure, resulting in the rapid spread of the fire to adjoining shanties largely constructed with wooden planks and other combustible materials.
The fire was brought under control through the swift intervention of bystanders within the market who commenced initial firefighting efforts before the arrival of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service. Despite initial difficulty in accessing the scene due to congestion and limited accessibility, the firefighters gained access and joined the ongoing operation while the Agency's Response Team coordinated response efforts and ensured effective inter-agency collaboration.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service successfully extinguished the fire while the Agency's Response Team provided operational supervision and monitored the firefighting and subsequent dampening down exercises to ensure that all residual flames and potential hotspots were completely addressed. Crowd control measures were also implemented in collaboration with security personnel to regulate human movement, restrict unauthorised access to the affected area and maintain a safe operational perimeter for emergency responders.
Upon successful completion of the damping down operation, the Agency's Response Team, in collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, conducted a comprehensive visibility check and safety assessment of the affected shanties and surrounding areas to identify any remaining sources of heat or other fire hazards that could trigger a secondary outbreak.
Occupants and other affected individuals were also sensitised on the proper handling and management of cooking gas cylinders and other cooking materials, and were advised to observe basic fire safety precautions and avoid unsafe cooking practices to prevent future occurrences.
Fortunately, no loss of life or injury was recorded as a result of the incident. The fire has been successfully extinguished, all dampening down operations have been concluded, and a final safety assessment has confirmed that no visible residual flames or immediate fire hazards remain within the affected and surrounding areas.
The operation has been successfully concluded, and the Agency's Response Team has returned to base.
LASEMA reassures residents of its continued readiness to respond swiftly to all emergencies and urges traders and residents to adhere strictly to fire safety regulations, ensure proper handling and storage of cooking gas cylinders and avoid unsafe cooking practices within congested and combustible structures. Members of the public are encouraged to report any emergency through the State toll-free lines 767 and 112.
Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu
Permanent Secretary
LASEMA
4th November,2026
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