Fire Guts Chemical Warehouse in Lagos as Hoodlums Loot Offices, Shops Amid Chaos
A major fire outbreak at a chemical warehouse in the Amuwo-Odofin Industrial Layout, Mile II area of Lagos, triggered widespread panic and opportunistic looting over the weekend, as hoodlums took advantage of the emergency to break into nearby offices and shops.
Global Mirror News gathered that the fire broke out at about 7:00 p.m. on Saturday at a warehouse located on Coker Market Road.
The facility was reportedly stocked with large quantities of industrial chemicals stored in hundreds of 200-litre drums, raising fears of explosions and severe environmental hazards within the industrial corridor.
When our correspondent visited the scene on Sunday, the fire was still smouldering, with thick smoke hanging in the air as operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) worked to fully contain the blaze.
Firefighters were deployed from multiple stations, including Ajegunle, Sari Iganmu, Okota, and Alausa, in what officials described as a coordinated emergency response.
According to LSFRS, the nature of the chemicals stored in the warehouse delayed direct access to the premises, complicating firefighting efforts.
A business owner whose office is located in an adjoining building said firefighters were only able to gain full access to the compound around 4:00 a.m. due to safety concerns associated with the hazardous materials.
“I was alerted about the fire around 7:00 p.m. and returned this morning because my office is next to the warehouse. The fire is very intense, and the air is heavily polluted,” the source said.
Amid the confusion, hoodlums reportedly invaded the area and looted valuables from surrounding premises. A witness, Kingsley Odi, alleged that groups of young men from the Ojo Road and Ajegunle axis broke into shops and offices when the fire started, exploiting the absence of security personnel.
According to him, the looters vandalised properties, stole doors, tiles, water closets, and electronic equipment, and even forced their way into the office of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), formerly known as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
During the attack, a security guard was reportedly assaulted, and his mobile phone and office systems were stolen. Odi added that children were also involved in the looting, while business owners later paid soldiers to keep watch overnight after threats of a return by the hoodlums.
LSFRS Controller General, Margaret Adeseye, confirmed that the fire was eventually brought under control through swift intervention, preventing it from spreading to adjacent buildings.
She said no casualties were recorded and reiterated the Agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging residents and business owners to strictly observe fire safety regulations.
Reacting to the incident, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said the command would liaise with the Divisional Police Officer in the area and strengthen security presence to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
