The Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, Margaret Adeseye, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, adding that no casualties were recorded in the incident which she noted was caused by negligence during the refilling of a gas cylinder.

She said, “The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service responded to a fire call today at 14:10 hours, when a fire erupted in a market at the second junction, Governor’s Road council bus stop, Ikotun, Lagos.

“The incident was triggered by a gas cylinder leakage and subsequent explosion within one of the shops, rapidly spreading to neighboring shops numbering seven, necessitating an immediate emergency response.

Multiple agencies swiftly responded to the emergency, including Ejigbo and Isolo fire stations of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, working in collaboration with Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Nigerian Police Force from Ikotun Division, all actively engaged in managing the situation.

“Preliminary investigations point to negligence during the refilling of a gas cylinder as the probable cause of the incident. Fortunately, there are no reported casualties.”

Video footage uploaded by the LSFRS Facebook page and sighted by our correspondent on Saturday evening showed that the fire had been extinguished leaving behind charred remains of razed shops and other destroyed materials in the market. Some firefighters could also be seen spraying water on the burnt metals and iron roofing sheets to put out pockets of flame emanating from the burnt items.

Areas such as Iyana-Ipaja, Igando, Ikotun, Idimu, and others have complained about incessant attacks from the robbery gang known as “One Million Boys”.

The Lagos State police took the threats seriously and have now disclosed measures they are taking to ensure the safety of residents.

The Lagos State Police Command wrote on Twitter: “The Police have received series of calls from residents in Idimu, Igando, Ikotun, etc, that the “one million boys” are planning to attack the communities. The Police responded with massive deployment of Police patrol teams to beef up security of the area. The IG of Police has also deployed DIG Peter Ogunyanwo to Lagos in order to have a clear assessment of the situation in Lagos and Ogun and also coordinate the the operations against such criminal elements. Special forces have also been deployed to support tactical units present. Members of the public, especially residents of the aforementioned communities are enjoined to remain calm and support the ongoing efforts of the Police.  For more information and complaints call the following 09010512385 09010512286. 09010512287 and 09010512288.”