Contrary to viral reports that fire razed down Alaba International market, the Lagos State Police Command has clarified that it was the shanties around the markets that was set ablaze by police officers attached to Ojo Division.
It was learned that policemen attached to the Division set what they considered as shanties on fire after raiding the vicinity, arresting suspects and recovering arms and ammunition.
It could not be ascertained if they obtained a court order before embarking on what arguably could be regarded as wilful arson by law enforcement officers.
However, according to the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who debunked the narrative, of the fire outbreak, “this is a false narrative!”.
He added, “acting on credible information, police officers from Ojo Division raided shanties around the market, arrested suspected criminals and recovered some weapons. The shanties were thereafter set on fire.
“Alaba International Market is not on fire”.
Meanwhile, the Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye who confirmed the incident, said efforts were underway to put out the inferno.
Mrs Adeseye who also revealed that fire crew from Ojo, Sari-Iganmu and Ajegunle were reportedly being turned back by angry mobs from performing their statutory duty said they are presently on standby.
She said the agency is collaborating with security agents to address the incident.
Pundits have argued that it was a tardy arrangement proceeding to set any public place on fire, whether illegally or legally occupied, without first going there with fire prevention equipments, in case the fire spreads beyond expectation.
