A major fire incident in the early hours of today has consumed most parts of the Akere Spare Parts Market in Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos. Informed sources say the goods lost in the inferno would amount to several millions of naira.

Apart from the goods lost by traders, the body of a 65-year-old security guard was found at the scene. The Lagos State Police Command says the security man was shot dead.

According to Mrs Margaret Adeseye, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the fire began at about 3.28am and that the first responders to the incident was the Ajegunle Fire Station.

In a statement she released, Adeseye said: ” Upon arrival, it was discovered that rows of shops that traded  in auto spare parts were well alight. That led to Sari-Iganmu and Ilupeju Fire Crews of the Agency joining up to subdue the fire and salvage a nearby petroleum filling station with a fully loaded 33,000 litres PMS tanker amongst other adjoining buildings.

” However, a male adult was recovered by the Tolu Division of the Nigeria Police around the scene while the Lagos Neighbourhood and Safety Corps and the Red Cross were also in attendance.

“The cause of the fire would require an investigation to account for the number of lockup shops and wares lost.”

The spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin has said the police are already investigating.  In his words: ” A 65-year-old security guard in the market was shot dead. We have identified him and his corpse has been taken to the mortuary. An investigation is ongoing.”