A major fire outbreak has destroyed several shops at Yaba Market in Lagos State, leaving traders with losses running into millions of naira.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, April 4, 2026, along the Yaba/Tejuosho axis, with the worst-affected area reportedly around the Popo/Oyabiyi Street corridor opposite the NLC office.
Eyewitnesses said the fire started between about 3:00 a.m. and 3:15 a.m., quickly spreading through sections of the market as traders and nearby residents attempted to salvage their goods. Videos from the scene showed thick smoke and intense flames engulfing multiple shops.
Emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were deployed to the scene and worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to adjoining buildings.
By later in the day, officials reported that the fire had been brought under control, with no confirmed casualties recorded at the time. However, the cause of the fire was yet to be determined as investigations continued.
The incident adds to recurring fire outbreaks in major markets across Nigeria, which often result in significant economic losses for traders who rely on their businesses for daily survival.
