Four killed, several injured as fire razes Lagos makeshift structures

Four people lost their lives, and several others sustained various degrees of injury, Thursday, as a fire razed several makeshift structures in a Lagos community.

According to a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos
State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said the incident happened at Power Line Bus Stop, Ikola, in Alimosho Local Government Area.

LASEMA PS said the agency received a distress call regarding a fire outbreak in the area at 1:52 pm on Thursday and promptly responded at the scene within 25 minutes.

“Upon arrival, it was observed that several makeshift structures had been razed by fire.

“Preliminary assessment and engagement with residents at the scene indicate that the incident followed a disagreement that escalated into communal unrest.

Regrettably, four adult males lost their lives, and several others sustained various degrees of injuries,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

LASEMA extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The agency further disclosed that emergency medical support was provided on site by the Agbado Oke-Odo Ambulance Service, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and other health responders.

Other agencies that joined in containing the fire, LASEMA revealed, included the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, led by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and other relevant stakeholders were deployed to the area.

The Chairman of Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, Hon. Abiodun Jimoh Isola (Ejigbadero), was also on ground to support coordination with community leaders.
LASEMA disclosed that normalcy had been restored in Ikola and surrounding communities.

“Security agencies remain on ground to maintain peace, safeguard lives and property, and prevent any further breach of public order.

“Residents are hereby urged to remain calm, shun any form of reprisal, and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of heightening tension.

“The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Mr Governor, condemns all acts of violence and reiterates its zero tolerance for actions that threaten the peace and unity of the state.

“In line with global best practices, a full investigation has commenced to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the incident, and anyone found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

Oke-Osanyintolu advised the members of the public to continue to rely on official channels of the Lagos State Government for accurate and timely information.