The commercial hub of Lagos Island was thrown into chaos last night following a devastating fire outbreak at Central Plaza, located within the popular Mandilas Market. Traders and eyewitnesses described the inferno as one of the most destructive incidents in recent times, leaving shops, goods, and properties worth millions of naira in ruins.
Videos circulating online show the charred remains of the multi-storey plaza, with thick smoke still rising from gutted shops as emergency responders battled through the night to contain the flames. Traders could be seen wailing and salvaging whatever little they could from the wreckage, as years of hard work and investment went up in smoke.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire began late in the evening when most traders had closed for the day, making the response more challenging. Many attributed the scale of destruction to the difficulty firefighters faced in gaining access to the congested market area. Despite these challenges, men of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, supported by other emergency agencies, worked tirelessly to bring the situation under control.
As of this morning, no fatalities have been officially confirmed, though several people reportedly sustained injuries while attempting to rescue goods. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, with preliminary accounts pointing to possible electrical faults within the building.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has assured traders and residents that comprehensive assessments are underway to determine the full extent of the damage. Meanwhile, victims of the incident have called on both the state government and well-meaning Nigerians for urgent assistance to rebuild their livelihoods.
The tragedy at Mandilas Market adds to the growing list of fire outbreaks in Lagos Island’s high-density commercial zones, raising concerns about safety standards, infrastructure, and the urgent need for preventive measures.
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