By Ayomide Otitoju
Soldiers securing the Arena Military Market in Bolade, Oshodi, Lagos, on Wednesday barred journalists from accessing or filming the scene of a fire that destroyed parts of the market the previous day, citing an ongoing investigation and restrictions on media coverage.
Journalists who visited the site reported that the blaze affected a section of the market comprising ten 40-foot container shops, primarily used for storing and selling clothing materials in bales. The fire was reportedly contained to this section.
Our correspondent, on-site about 14 hours after the incident, said journalists were prevented from conducting interviews or filming and were escorted off the premises. An officer explained that any media coverage would require authorization from the Brigadier General in charge.
An anonymous source suggested that the destroyed goods were contraband, which could explain the military’s reluctance to allow coverage. “The army won’t let you because the goods are contraband,” the source said.
Traders affected by the fire lamented significant financial losses and criticised the delayed response of the fire service, claiming it arrived without sufficient water, allowing the blaze to rage overnight. Some praised local residents, known as “area boys,” for helping to contain the fire before fire crews arrived.
A female shop owner whose store was near the affected containers demanded N2 million from an army officer for water used by soldiers to help fight the fire. The officer reportedly advised her to be grateful her shop was spared.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) confirmed the incident. Controller General Margaret Adeseye said fire crews from Bolade, Ilupeju, Ikeja, and Alausa stations responded promptly. “We received a distress call at approximately 17:50 hours reporting a fire at Arena Market, Bolade, Oshodi. Units arrived within five minutes,” she said.
Adeseye assured the public that necessary measures were taken to safeguard lives and property and stated that an investigation into the fire’s cause will be conducted, with further updates to follow.
