Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has confirmed that no lives were lost following a fire that engulfed a cluster of makeshift residential structures in the Abule-Oja area of Yaba on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The blaze, which broke out at 9/10 Abudu Street along UNILAG Road, triggered an immediate and coordinated multi-agency response that successfully prevented the flames from spreading to nearby buildings, including a two-storey structure, according to a statement issued by LASEMA's Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu.
Emergency responders were swiftly mobilised after a distress call was received, with personnel from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Fire Service, the UNILAG Fire Service, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, and LASEMA's Alpha Cobra Base all deployed to the scene. The fire spread rapidly due to the close proximity of the makeshift structures and the combustible materials used in their construction, the agency noted. However, the coordinated efforts of the responders ensured that the adjoining two-storey building was successfully salvaged and, most importantly, that no casualties were recorded.
Videos circulating on social media showed thick plumes of black smoke rising from the affected buildings, prompting calls for emergency services and causing panic among residents and passers-by on Abdul Street. The Lagos State Government commended all emergency responders for their prompt intervention and professionalism, as well as residents for their cooperation during the operation. The government also urged residents to observe basic fire safety measures, including avoiding substandard electrical wiring, preventing the overloading of electrical sockets, and equipping homes and businesses with fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
LASEMA said damping-down operations were ongoing to extinguish residual hotspots and prevent the fire from reigniting, while the affected area had been secured. A comprehensive damage assessment was underway, and relevant government agencies had been mobilised to provide immediate relief materials and humanitarian support to affected residents. The cause of the fire had yet to be established, but the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service had commenced an investigation in collaboration with other relevant agencies. The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, pledging to strengthen emergency response capabilities and enforce safety and building standards across the state. The incident occurred just days after a fire gutted the headquarters of the Federal Mortgage Bank in Abuja, destroying items reportedly worth N500 million.
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