Panic spread across parts of Lagos in the early hours of Saturday following a fire outbreak at a market in the Yaba area.
The blaze, which reportedly began around 1 a.m., affected several shops, with eyewitnesses claiming that goods worth millions were destroyed.
Videos circulating on social media showed thick smoke and flames engulfing sections of the market, as traders and residents rushed to salvage their belongings.
An eyewitness, identified as Lugar Feliz, speaking during a TikTok livestream monitored by The Punch, said firefighters had arrived at the scene. He added that the fire broke out around the Popo area of the Yaba market.
Several users on X (formerly Twitter) also raised alarm over the incident.
A user, Clinically firm (@GAnorue17378), wrote, “BREAKING: Yaba Market on Fire since yesterday Night. Details later.”
Another user, Obutexofficial (@Obutex7), posted, “Yaba on Fire, fire outbreak since 1 am.”
Similarly, Olamilekan Iyiola (@Olamilekan0932) described the situation as “a terrible fire outbreak in yaba right now.”
Reacting, another user, Adeoluwa (@Okunlola_Jude), said, “Woke up to the news that yaba is burning, the shops just behind mine completely burnt to ground, billions gone like that.”
He also alleged lapses in emergency response, stating, “Fire service headquarters is just 10 mins walk from there, they could only bring a truck.”
Another user, Sullex Print and Branding (@SullexBranding), claimed that some of the responding fire trucks lacked water.
“Three fire service trucks and only one truck has water, fire outbreak currently at Ajibode street, Yaba,” the user wrote.
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire had yet to be determined, and there was no official statement from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service regarding the extent of damage or possible casualties.
Efforts to contain the blaze were ongoing, as residents called for improved emergency response to prevent further losses.