August 19, 2014 – Properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed on Monday night when fire consumed several buildings at Oko Baba Sawmill in Ebute Metta, Lagos.
Public Relations Officer of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, said the fire started at about 10:30 PM.
He explained that no casualty was recorded in the inferno but that about five buildings built with sand and concrete were razed down as well as some make shift buildings in the area.
Also speaking on the incident Director of the Lagos State Fire Service Mr. Rasak Fadipe said fire servicemen who stormed the scene to put out the fire were attacked by hoodlums who shattered the windscreen of one of the water truck.
He said the hoodlums broke the windscreen of the third vehicles bringing water to fight the fire, describing the act as unfortunate.
He said that fire service responded promptly when it received distress call that the place was on fire, saying that the fire succeeded in consuming five bungalows built with sand concrete, multiple bolt-up buildings and a sawmill, while putting the number of bolt-up structure consumed by the inferno at about 100.
He said his men were able to save several properties from the disaster adding that fire also consumed a 3-bedroom flat in a twonstorey building at 14 Ayoade Street, Bajulaye, Shomolu last night. He appealed to members of the public to be careful in handling electrical appliances and learn to quickly alert relevant agencies during emergencies.
