Fire guts Arena market, destroys goods worth millions

Fire has destroyed goods worth millions at the Arena market in the Oshodi area of Lagos State.

The blaze, which began around 9pm, tore through the market, destroying stalls stocked with electronics and other goods.

Shop owners and vendors were left counting their losses despite the prompt intervention of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, which deployed firefighters to the scene.

Eyewitnesses said the fire started suddenly and spread quickly, consuming several shops before it was brought under control.

One of the traders, Henry Nwankwo, who deals in washing machines and spare parts, lamented: “All my goods were affected—none of them survived. All of them were burned to ashes. I also do repairs for customers, and all my customers’ properties were also destroyed.

“I just got back from China two months ago because I import washing machine spare parts, and the new goods were also affected.”

The cause of the fire remains unknown with eye witnesses suggesting possible electrical faults from the transformer near the shops or an unattended heat source.

NATION