The Lagos State Government, on Wednesday, acknowledged the fire outbreak that occurred earlier in the day at Abudu Street, Abule Oja, by UNILAG Road, Yaba.

The Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, in a statement indicated that immediately the distress call was received, the State’s emergency response architecture was activated.

According to him, "teams from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, UNILAG Fire Service, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and operatives of Alpha Cobra Base were swiftly deployed to the scene.

"Working in a coordinated and professional manner, the joint teams contained the fire and prevented it from spreading to adjoining properties."

The Permanent Secretary said the fire affected a cluster of residential makeshift structures. "Due to the close proximity of the buildings and the combustible materials within, the flames spread rapidly on arrival of responders. Through the diligence and courage of our emergency personnel, the adjoining two-story building was successfully salvaged and, most importantly, no loss of life was recorded," he said.

Dampening-down operations are currently ongoing at the site to ensure all hotspots are fully extinguished and to forestall any possibility of re-ignition. The area has been secured to guarantee public safety while a comprehensive damage assessment is being carried out. Relevant government agencies have also been mobilized to provide immediate support to affected residents, including relief materials and other forms of humanitarian assistance.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. The Lagos State Fire Service has commenced a thorough investigation in collaboration with other relevant agencies and the findings will be communicated to the public in due course.