LAGOS, Nigeria — The fire that engulfed parts of the Alaba International Market in Ojo, Lagos State, on Friday, May 5, 2023, was the result of a police operation to dismantle criminal hideouts, according to Lagos police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin.
In a tweet, Hundeyin debunked earlier reports that angry mobs were responsible for the blaze and revealed that it was actually officers from the Ojo division who set fire to the shanties.
Hundeyin’s tweet read, “This is a false narrative! Acting on credible information, police officers from Ojo Division raided shanties around the market, arrested suspected criminals and recovered some weapons. The shanties were thereafter set on fire. Alaba Int’l Market is NOT on fire!”
This is a false narrative! Acting on credible information, police officers from Ojo Division raided shanties around the market, arrested suspected criminals and recovered some weapons. The shanties were thereafter set on fire.
Alaba Int’l Market is NOT on fire! https://t.co/0WMHheffH9 pic.twitter.com/i0E2pOoZWb
— SP Benjamin Hundeyin (@BenHundeyin) May 5, 2023
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service had reported on Friday that a fire was raging in the popular market, with angry mobs preventing firefighters from carrying out their duties. However, Hundeyin’s statement clarified the situation and confirmed that the police had taken control of the situation.
During the operation, officers arrested several suspected criminals and seized weapons found at the scene. The deliberate burning of the shanties, according to Hundeyin, was a strategy to dismantle criminal hideouts and prevent their return.
This news reassured traders and residents alike, who initially feared the market itself was in danger.
The Alaba International Market is a major commercial hub in Lagos, Nigeria, and any disruption to its operations can have significant economic consequences.
It remains unclear if any businesses were affected by the fire or if the operation will impact the market’s overall functionality.
