Traders reel from massive losses as fire ravages Arena Market in Oshodi
Abdullateef Fowewe
Traders at the Arena Market in Oshodi, Lagos State, are grappling with severe financial losses following a devastating fire that broke out in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The blaze rapidly spread, engulfing numerous stalls and destroying goods estimated to be worth millions of naira before firefighters could bring it under control.
According to eyewitness reports, the fire started suddenly around 2:00 AM and consumed stalls stocked with clothing, electronics, and other merchandise.
Despite swift intervention by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, many traders lost their entire stock. One fabric trader who has operated in the market for over a decade described the loss of life’s work as devastating.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with initial thoughts pointing to possible electrical faults or an unattended heat source.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) is actively assessing the situation in collaboration with fire officials.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed sympathy and assured that measures will be taken to support affected traders and prevent future incidents.
Meanwhile, the market area has been cordoned off for cleanup and ongoing investigations as traders are left to rebuild their businesses from the ashes.
