One Dead as Suspected Arsonists Raze Spare Parts Market in Lagos

Sanwo-Olu  tasks CP to fish out perpetrators

Sunday Ehigiator

A 50-year-old security guard (name undisclosed) at Akere Spare Part Market in  Ajeromi Ifelodun  Local Government Area of  Lagos State was reportedly shot dead by suspected armed arsonists who stormed the popular market in the wee hours of yesterday and burnt it down.

In a signed statement by the Director of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Adeseye Margaret, it was revealed that the incident happened at about 3:28 a.m. on March 8, 2023.

The statement said: “At about 03:28 a.m. on Wednesday, a fire outbreak was alerted at the Akere Spare Parts Market, Kirikiri Road, Olodi-Apapa, Ajegunle in Lagos which saw the Ajegunle Fire Station of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service as the first respondent.

“Upon arrival, it was discovered that rows of shops of auto spare parts were up in flames leading to Sari-Iganmu and Ilupeju Fire Crews of the agency joining to subdue the raging fire and salvage a nearby major market petrol station with a fully loaded 33,000 litres petrol tanker among other adjoining buildings.

“However, a male adult was recovered by the Tolu Police Division in the fire scene while the Lagos Neighborhood and Safety Corps and the Red Cross were also there to help out.

“The cause of the fire will require detailed investigation as well as post-incident enumeration to account for the number of lockup shops and wares loss.”

 Also reacting to the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, said a suspect, “one Victor Okah, 24, has been arrested over the incident.”

Though the situation has been put under control, a section of the public believes that the incident may not be unconnected with the political tension in the state ahead of the next governorship and state House of Assembly election.

Meanwhile,  Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has visited the scene of midnight inferno that destroyed goods worth millions and properties . Sanwo-Olu condemned the incendiary action, describing it as “unfortunate.” He directed the Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, to conduct a full investigation into the incident and fish out the perpetrators.

The governor, in company with  the council chairman, Hon. Fatai Ayoola, and the market leader, Mr. Izuchukwu Uba, inspected the razed market, while officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) cleared the site of charred materials to salvage unaffected goods.

A woman identified as the deceased’s wife, pleaded with the governor to ensure thorough investigation into the incident and made a request for the release of her husband’s body for Muslim burial.

Sanwo-Olu condoled with the deceased’s family and promised assistance in burying the dead.

Addressing the traders, the governor assured them that the State Government would get to the bottom of the matter, just as he ordered security be tightened around major markets to forestall similar attacks.

Sanwo-Olu said: “I commiserate with the family of taxi driver who was somewhere close to the market premises but lost his life in the incident. I am also here to share my sympathy with all shop owners who lost means of livelihood in this fire incident. But we don’t want to pass judgment ahead of investigation.

“In strong term, I am directing the Commissioner of Police to immediately launch a full investigation into the cause of this incident. Given the issues we are hearing around, I am also directing the Commissioner to tighten security around markets. All vulnerable markets must be protected.

“People must not jump into conclusions as to the motives behind it, because this is an incident that affects everyone around this neighbourhood in one form or the other.  We have received the list of all shop owners affected and we will vet the list for compensation to help the victims back on their feet.”

Sanwo-Olu said the state’s emergency response team would remain at the site until the area is cleared of rubbles. He pledged that the State Government would collaborate and work with the local council authorities to rebuild the market and return the traders back.

The governor urged residents to continue to promote peaceful coexistence among members of their communities, stressing that his visit to the site was to further reassure victims of Government’s commitment to peace.

He said: “We will help to rebuild the market within a short term and we will personally ensure safety measures are put in place. Our visit is to further reassure all residents of the State that, as long as we are in Government, we will continue to promote peaceful coexistence among all communities. I am here to demonstrate that commitment and to personally support the rebuilding efforts.”