Goods and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed earlier today in Somolu area of Lagos as another portion of the Alade market were gutted by fire.
The wildfire which affected scores of shops resulted from a power surge that was ignited around 12.35 am when power was restored in the area.
According to Chief Modupe Olufojude (Iyaloja General of Somolu markets), the prompt intervention of fire service responders helped in arresting the fire from spreading to a larger part of the market.
Electronic and home appliances shops, food items sellers, fabric shops were affected in the midnight inferno at the Alade market which widely razed barely three months it was razed when the ENDSARS protest was hijacked. Properties belonging to Alade Police Station were also razed on the black afternoon of October 21, 2020.
The workaholic goodhearted Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu who was also at the scene assured residents that efforts were ongoing towards the construction of Somolu Fire Service Station will be doubled-up to fight emergencies in the area.
Hon. Jubril Issa (Councilor representing Alade/Orile Somolu ward), Hon. Tunde Oladejo (Councilor representing Orile Bashua/Okesuna ward), Pastor Femi Taiwo (Chairman, Somolu APC Caretaker committee), Alhaji Tajudeen Tella (Community leader) were also at the scene as the fire service responders put off the wildfire.
Recall that Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu led the administration of Somolu Local Government, last December, gifted out N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) to traders affected by the fire incidents in Alade and Olaleye markets. While handing over the cheques to leaders of the markets, the compassionate Council Chairman advised residents and traders in Somolu to be safety and security conscious as the cash gift is just to serve as a relief to the traders.
While addressing residents and traders after the Alade market fire was arrested, the Council Chairman promise to install fire hydrants and giant fire extinguishers around major markets and public places in Somolu. According to him, emergency management services are part of things to put in place for a commercial hub like Somolu.