Panic gripped parts of Lagos on Wednesday following two separate fire outbreaks that occurred hours apart—one at a fuel station in Ifako-Ijaiye and another at a commercial building in Victoria Island.
Emergency responders were swiftly mobilized to manage the twin disasters, which, despite their intensity, fortunately resulted in no fatalities.
The first incident unfolded at approximately 4 p.m. at a fuel station located on Old Akute Road, in the Obawole area of Iju Ishaga, under the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses reported that the inferno began with a loud explosion, believed to have originated from the station’s underground fuel tanks. The blast quickly escalated into a major fire, sending thick smoke into the sky and triggering chaos among nearby residents and motorists.
Crowds around K Farms Estate, adjacent to the station, watched in fear as flames engulfed the premises. Passersby fled in various directions to avoid the rapidly spreading fire.
Emergency teams from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived promptly at the scene to contain the situation, supported by officers from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
Jubril Gawat, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed the response efforts via social media. He disclosed that the fire reportedly started in a building located behind the filling station, and praised the emergency teams for acting quickly to stop the blaze from spreading further.
Shakiru Amodu, spokesperson for the Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed that the flames were successfully contained before they could extend to neighboring structures. To ensure safety and enable smooth operations, the area was barricaded to restrict public access during the firefighting efforts. As of 6 p.m., the fire had been brought under control.
While firefighters were still tackling the aftermath in Iju Ishaga, another fire was reported around 5:22 p.m. at a building along Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island, directly opposite the Silverbird Galleria.
Emergency response teams rushed to the scene but encountered delays due to heavy traffic along the busy axis. Nevertheless, they arrived within 22 minutes and began firefighting operations.
Again, officials confirmed there were no casualties in the Victoria Island fire, and efforts to identify the exact cause are ongoing.
Both incidents have reignited concerns about fire safety and emergency response efficiency in the city. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or safety hazards that could lead to similar disasters.