Although details are still sketchy, but sources said that the fire which started at around 7pm was caused by a power surge, and was extensive.
However, NEMA did not say what caused the fire and the extent of the damage, but stated that nine shops were affected, while the timely arrival of rescue agencies saved the market from being completely razed down.
"After fire outbreak this evening, timely arrival of response agencies saved Alade Market on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos. 9 shops were affected," NEMA's spokesperson, Yushau Shuaib, said in a one-paragraph statement.
Director of the Lagos State Fire Service, Razak Fadipe, who confirmed the incident said, "We got a distress call this evening that Alade Market was on fire. We have deployed a team from Alausa station to the place. The fire is extensive, but as I am talking to you, we are working hard to put it out."
Also, the State Police Command Spokesman, Ngozi Braide, said policemen had been deployed to the area to prevent looting.
She said, "The Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area is already on the ground. He is leading the effort to ensure that hoodlums did not take advantage of the confusion that the inferno will cause to commit crime. Right now, rescue efforts are ongoing."
Alade Market is popular in Lagos for its bureau-de-change activities and boutiques.
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