The executive governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has closed down Dosunmu Market in Lagos Island after a fire incident on Tuesday.
No fewer than 14 buildings were gutted by the fire, and four structures collapsed as a result of the incident on Tuesday.
According to reports, the fire was caused by the careless refueling of a generator in the penthouse of one of the buildings.
Commenting after his visit, Sanwo-Olu wrote, “Dear Lagosians, following the tragic fire at Dosunmu Market, I visited the site to assess the damage and meet with affected individuals.
“The fire, a result of mishandling flammable materials, led to significant loss. We have initiated a full investigation to determine the cause and implement stricter safety protocols.
“An integrity test on standing structures is now mandatory, and Dosunmu Market will remain closed until we can ensure the safety of all structures and compliance with regulations. Unapproved buildings will be demolished.
“The Ministry of Physical Planning will intensify its efforts to enforce building codes and prevent misuse of residential properties. We cannot overlook the safety of our citizens.
“I assure all affected that we are exploring every avenue to assist you and prevent future incidents.”
According to reports, the fire, which began around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, also damaged products worth millions of naira.
The fire was claimed to have originated in a three-story structure on Jankara Street and spread to other buildings in the market.