The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged traders at Dosumu Market, Idumota, Lagos, to reinforce the security architecture of the market to ensure the safety of their lives and property.
Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, Lagos Territorial Coordinator, NEMA, advised in an interview with newsmen at the scene of the fire incident on Wednesday in Lagos.
Farinloye said metal protectors used to secure the shops stood in the way of firefighters in their attempt to put out the fire.
He noted that after the Mandilas fire incident, the agency and other critical stakeholders embarked on disaster risk reduction advocacy around major markets on Lagos Island.
He said the agency had appealed to the traders to contribute money to install hydrants around the market in case of a fire emergency, but the traders refused to comply.
He confirmed that the fire engulfed four buildings, adding that two of the buildings had already collapsed due to the impact of the inferno.
NAN gathered that firefighters found it difficult to access the buildings when they arrived at the scene.
The Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, said the service got wind of the incident at about 7. 41 a.m., and she immediately mobilised firefighters to the scene.
Adeseye said the presence of an overwhelming crowd at the scene of the incident became a challenge for firefighters in accessing the buildings.
