The Lagos State Police Command has explained why its officers set shanties around the Alaba International Market on fire.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said policemen attached to the Ojo Division set the shanties on fire after raiding the vicinity, recovering arms and ammunition, and arresting suspects.
Hundeyin, who debunked the fire outbreak narrative said contrary to viral reports the market was never on fire.
He said, “This is a false narrative! Acting on credible information, police officers from Ojo Division raided shanties around the market, arrested suspected criminals, and recovered some weapons. The shanties were thereafter set on fire.”
“Alaba International Market is not on fire,” he added.
WITHIN NIGERIA had reported that the Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, who confirmed the fire incident, said efforts were underway to put out the inferno.
Adeseye, who also revealed that fire crew from Ojo, Sari-Iganmu and Ajegunle were reportedly being turned back by angry mobs from performing their statutory duty said they are presently on standby.
She said the agency is collaborating with Security agents to address the incident.