6,700 traders, 450 shops, others affected by fire at popular Lagos Mandilas market—NEMA

• The fire also extended to nearby market stalls at Atunwase International Market, causing significant damage to the main building
  

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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that a fire incident on Sunday at Mandilas building on Lagos Island, Lagos State, impacted approximately 6,700 traders, 450 shops, 30 offices, two hotels, and five restaurants.

In a statement on Monday, NEMA revealed the figures provided by the Iya Oja of Atunwase International Market, Mandilas General, Alhaja Adeniji Rashidat.

The fire also extended to nearby market stalls at Atunwase International Market, causing significant damage to the main building.

The statement reads: “NEMA has enjoined Nigerians to be safety conscious in their activities to protect their lives and property.

“The Agency made the appeal while assessing the impact of the last Sunday fire disaster that occurred at the 16th floors’ old Mandalas building.

“The impacted traders are estimated to accommodate about 6,700 traders, 450 shops, 30 offices, 2 hotels, 5 restaurants according to the Iya Oja of the Atunwase International Market Mandilas General, Alhaja Adeniji Rashidat who briefed the assessors.

“The fire which started at about 0011 hours began at first floor where an alleged electric wielding activities was going on.

“It was alleged that the people around did not notice the fire until it was too late before fire service was contacted.

The fire also spread to surrounding market stalls at Atunwase International Market with equal extensive damages as the main complex.

“However, officials of Lagos State Safety Commission and Building Control Agency were on ground assessing the integrity of all buildings at the scene.

“However, all structures have been locked down to prevent access to the shop for the safety of traders and the public.

“Other Agencies on ground today are Lagos State Building Control Agency, Lagos Fire services, Red Cross, Nigeria Police, Neighbourhood watch, Lagos Island Local Government Sanitation, Lagos State Business District are currently making efforts at making the scene safer for people.”