The popular Ebano Supermarket in the highbrow Lekki metropolis [Photos], some shops and the popular Idumota Market, are among the affected structures.
Two of the affected buildings were located in the densely-populated Ajegunle area of Lagos, one of which was the palace of the Baale (traditional ruler).
However, no life was reportedly lost in any of the incidents. But properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.
The Ajegunle inferno was said to have been caused by petroleum products stored in one of the buildings by a black market dealer. Some occupants of the affected buildings sustained varying degrees of injuries during the ensuing stampede.
Reports said an explosion occurred at 1, Freedom Street, at about 10.30a.m., while a welder, simply identified as Israel, was constructing an iron cage for the storage of petroleum products.
Efforts to contain the fire failed as it reportedly engulfed the entire building and spread to 171, Orodu Street.
The black market dealer, whose identity could not be ascertained, escaped on noticing the wreckage.
When visited the scene, the fire was still raging, with occupants in mourning. One of them, a pregnant woman, was said to have collapsed.
An eyewitness, who simply gave his name as Saidi, blamed the tragedy on the welder, pointing out that if the jerry cans filled with petroleum products had been moved away from the spot, the spark of light from the welding machine would not have ignited.
Residents told us that fire service officials who arrived the scene to contain the situation, left for more water.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “Had the owner of house on 171, Orodu Street been alive, this incident would not have happened because he would have kicked against the sale of petroleum products.
“The woman, who caused all this, has been warned several times to change business, but she did not heed the advice.
“Only last week, a prophet who came to warn that danger was looming and that everyone should beware of fire outbreak. This woman was cautioned again. But she got more products because of the rumoured fuel scarcity.”
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