Goods and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed earlier today in Somolu area of Lagos as another portion of the Alade market was gutted by fire early hours of Tuesday.
According to a press release issued by the Chief Press Secretary, to the Chairman Somolu Local Government, Oseni Owolabi Ajimomuya, “the wildfire which affected scores of shops resulted from a power surge which was ignited around 12.35am when power was restored in the area”.
Ajimomuya noted that Iyaloja General of Somolu markets, Chief Mrs. Modupe Olufojude, said the prompt intervention of fire service responders helped in arresting the fire from spreading to a larger part of the market.
Electronic and home appliances shops, food items sellers, fabric shops were affected in the midnight inferno at the Alade market which was widely razed barely three months ago when the ENDSARS protest was hijacked by hoodlums.
Properties belonging to Alade Police Station were also razed on the gloomy afternoon of October 21, 2020.
The CPS averred that “the workaholic kind-hearted Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu who was also at the scene and assured residents that efforts was ongoing towards the construction of Somolu Fire Service Station will be doubled-up to fight emergencies in the area”.
Hon. Jubril Issa (Councilor representing Alade/Orile Somolu ward), Hon. Tunde Oladejo (Councilor representing Orile Bashua/Okesuna ward), Pastor Femi Taiwo (Chairman, Somolu APC Caretaker committee), Alhaji Tajudeen Tella (Community leader) were also at the scene as the fire service responders put off the wild fire.
Recall that Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu led administration of Somolu Local Government, last December, gifted out N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) to traders affected at the fire incidents in Alade and Olaleye markets. While handing over the cheques to leaders of the markets, the compassionate Council Chairman advised residents and traders in Somolu to be safety and security conscious as the cash gift is just to serve as a relief to the traders.
While addressing residents and traders after the Alade market fire was put-off, the Council Chairman promise to install fire hydrants and giant fire extinguishers around major markets and public places in Somolu. According to him, emergency management services are part of safety measures need to be in place for a commercial hub like Somolu.
