Fire guts Balogun Market, sawmill, houses in Lagos

Tragedy struck in Lagos State on Sunday and Monday as multiple fire incidents occurred in different parts of the state, taking a life and destroying property.

The fire razed Balogun Market on the Lagos Island, Oko Baba Sawmill in Ebute Meta and four houses in the Igando area of the state.

A pensioner, identified simply as Baba Bende lost his life in the Ebute Metta incident, while property estimated at billions of naira was
destroyed in the incidents.

It was said the Oko Baba Sawmill fire began around 9pm on Sunday and was put off around 3am on Monday.

An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, explained that the father of one died while trying to save his pension files.

He said, “Baba Bende wanted to take his pension files, and that was how the fire engulfed him in the house.”

PUNCH Metro observed that shanties constructed around the sawmill were razed to the ground.

In the Balogun Market, traders watched in shock on Monday as goods estimated at billions of
naira were lost after the fire ravaged five buildings in the market.

The traders said the fire began around 4am.
A banking hall belonging to Diamond Bank was also affected by the flames.

When PUNCH Metro visited the scene on Monday, the fire was still raging as rescue agencies from the federal, state, local government areas and others from corporate
organisations battled to put it out.

A woman, identified as Aunty Funmi was in tears, while some traders milled around her in
sympathy.

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Source Punchng