Fire razes computer village building, destroys goods worth millions in Ikeja

A devastating fire outbreak swept through Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos State, in the early hours of Tuesday, leaving traders counting heavy losses after a one-storey commercial building was completely razed.

The blaze occurred on Somoye Osundairo Street, right in the heart of the bustling technology hub, and destroyed large quantities of computers and accessories valued at millions of naira. The affected building was reportedly occupied mainly by dealers in computers and related gadgets, many of whom rely on the area for their daily livelihood.

According to a preliminary incident report issued by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), distress calls were received via the 767/112 toll-free emergency lines at about 1:55am, prompting the immediate activation of the state’s emergency response plan from its Command and Control Centre in Alausa, Ikeja.

LASEMA in the statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu asserted that response team arrived at the scene around 2:15am, where they encountered active flames and thick smoke billowing from the commercial structure, an indication of intense combustion already taking place.

“The fire outbreak occurred in a one-storey commercial building that accommodates dealers in computers and accessories. The high volume of combustible materials contributed to the rapid spread of the fire,” he stated.

While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, LASEMA confirmed that investigations have commenced to determine what triggered the incident.

According to the report, no fatalities were recorded during the incident. However, one firefighter from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service sustained minor injuries in the course of the operation and was treated on-site by officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS).

“The damage assessment painted a grim picture. The entire top floor of the building was completely destroyed, with all goods stored there consumed by the fire. Preliminary checks also revealed that the structure of the building had been partially compromised, raising concerns over its safety and the need for urgent structural integrity tests.

“Emergency responders swiftly cordoned off the area to prevent further danger, while safety measures were activated to stop the fire from spreading to nearby buildings in the densely packed commercial district,” it stated.

LASEMA said the prompt and coordinated response by multiple agencies helped to successfully contain the blaze and prevent a wider disaster in Computer Village, which is notorious for congested buildings and poor safety compliance.

Firefighting operations have since been concluded, though damping-down exercises are ongoing to eliminate residual heat and prevent re-ignition. Rescue and recovery efforts have also been completed.

In its recommendations, the agency called for a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire, a comprehensive structural assessment of the affected building, and a review of fire safety measures and storage practices across Computer Village and similar commercial areas.

Responders at the scene included LASEMA officials, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASAMBUS, and the Nigeria Police Force.