On Lagos Island, a fire tore through part of Balogun Market on Sunday morning, marking the fifth time in four years that flames have ravaged the bustling trading hub. Eyewitnesses and shop owners arriving at the scene described a scene of tears and shock as they tried to assess the damage.

The fire broke out in a building on Martins Street within Balogun Market. The exact cause remains unclear, and investigators are still gathering details.

Firefighters and emergency responders, including Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA), and other agencies, were dispatched to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to adjacent structures.

By early reports, a shop on the top floor of a four-storey building had been gutted. Inside, clothing materials were stored in the affected shop.

It was too early to confirm the total losses or any casualties. Several shop owners arrived to find their businesses affected, with some visibly overwhelmed by the scene.

The incident highlights a recurring challenge in the area: insurance coverage for shop owners is often limited, which complicates recovery efforts after such fires.

LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed that rescue operations were ongoing and that responders were coordinating to extinguish the fire and prevent spread to nearby buildings.

Balogun Market has experienced multiple fires in recent years (November 2019, 2020, 2021, and earlier this year, 2025, before this particular one), highlighting ongoing concerns about fire safety and disaster preparedness in crowded market spaces.

Investigations will determine the exact cause and the full scope of damage.

Market authorities and emergency services are likely to review safety protocols to reduce the risk of future incidents.