Nigeria: New Year’s Eve inferno destroys 24 electronics shops near Ikotun roundabout

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

A devastating fire outbreak in the early hours of New Year’s Eve has left dozens of business owners counting their losses after 24 electronics shops were razed near the Ikotun Roundabout area of Lagos. The blaze swept through a storey shopping complex, destroying electronics and other valuable goods worth millions of naira, just as many traders were preparing to start the new year.

Emergency responders were alerted shortly after midnight and arrived swiftly at the scene, working through the night to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings. With the support of security personnel, the situation was brought under control, and fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.

Preliminary findings suggest the fire was triggered by an electrical surge, highlighting ongoing concerns about power safety and negligence in commercial spaces.

The incident adds to a growing list of recent fire outbreaks in Lagos markets and business districts, leaving affected traders facing an uncertain road to recovery as authorities continue to urge greater caution and improved safety measures.