The National Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that about 6,700 traders, 450 shops, 30 offices, two hotels and five restaurants were affected by the fire incident which occurred on Sunday at Mandilas building on the Lagos Island, Lagos State.
The agency disclosed in a statement on Monday, noting that the figures were provided by the Iya Oja of the Atunwase International Market, Mandilas General, Alhaja Adeniji Rashidat.
Punch Metro had published that the fire occurred on Sunday, noting that tens of shops and business offices at the building had been gutted by fire.
According to the NEMA statement, the fire spread to nearby market stalls at Atunwase International Market, causing equally substantial damage at the main building.
The statement reads: “NEMA has enjoined Nigerians to be safety conscious in their activities to protect their lives and property.
“The Agency made the appeal while assessing the impact of the last Sunday fire disaster that occurred at the 16th floors’ old Mandalas building.
“The impacted traders are estimated to accommodate about 6,700 traders, 450 shops, 30 offices, 2 hotels, 5 restaurants according to the Iya Oja of the Atunwase International Market Mandilas General, Alhaja Adeniji Rashidat who briefed the assessors.
“The fire which started at about 0011 hours began at first floor where an alleged electric wielding activities was going on.
“It was alleged that the people around did not notice the fire until it was too late before fire service was contacted.
The fire also spread to surrounding market stalls at Atunwase International Market with equal extensive damages as the main complex.
“However, officials of Lagos State Safety Commission and Building Control Agency were on ground assessing the integrity of all buildings at the scene.
“However, all structures have been locked down to prevent access to the shop for the safety of traders and the public.
“Other Agencies on ground today are Lagos State Building Control Agency, Lagos Fire services, Red Cross, Nigeria Police, Neighbourhood watch, Lagos Island Local Government Sanitation, Lagos State Business District are currently making efforts at making the scene safer for people.”
