no fewer than 6,700 traders lost their goods to a fire that gutted the popular Mandilas building on Broad Street, Lagos Island Local Government Area of Lagos State on January 21.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency,  450 shops, 30 offices, two hotels, and five restaurants were also destroyed by the impact of the fire which affected the 14-storey building.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was caused by careless welding during the installation of a power generator on the second floor of the Mandilas building in Lagos.

The group said contrary to insinuations being spread concerning the ownership of the building, Mandilas Group had transferred the ownership of the building to a new entity in 2020.

The statement read, “Contrary to widespread belief, the Mandilas Building on Broad Street is not owned by Mandilas Group Limited. The ownership of the building was officially transferred in 2020 to a new entity unrelated to Mandilas Group.

“The Mandilas Group ceased any association with the said property following the ownership transfer, and the recent fire incident does not affect or involve the group in any capacity.”

The firm, however, condoled with traders who lost their goods to the fire incident.

“We understand the concerns and interest from the public and assure that relevant authorities are actively investigating the cause of the fire.

“Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident, and we hope for a swift resolution to the ongoing investigation,” the statement added.