Fire: Sanwo-Olu Orders Integrity Test on Standing Structures

Following recent and rampant fire outbreak in market places on Lagos Island, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu, has ordered full assessment of buildings in Dosunmu and adjoining areas to determine their structural integrity

The order followed the fire outbreak that destroyed property worth billions of naira. This was coming two days after the fire broke, the site of which remains an active disaster zone, with first responders from the Lagos State Government still battling isolated inferno in some of the affected buildings as at yesterday.

At least, 14 multi-storey buildings were completely razed to rubble in the incident allegedly caused by reckless handling of flammable materials by some traders. Sanwo-Olu in company of top government officials visited the fire site to assess the situation and met with victims.

Although the governor had directed full investigation into the immediate cause of the fire, he said unapproved and failed structures in the market area will be pulled down.

Arguments have, however, ensued between the traders and some residents over the cause of the fire incident.

Some traders were said to be dealing in illegal sale of combustible liquids, which were stored in warehouses attached to the affected buildings.

Some believe the fire was an act of sabotage allegedly arising from the rivalry among some of the traders.

Sanwo-Olu said the government would come hard on structures and property not conformed to the government’s guidelines across markets, directing that Dosunmu market remain shut until the full report of the incident is ready.