During his visit to the Dosunmu market, which was ravaged by fire on Tuesday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State expressed his determination to demolish more buildings to facilitate a comprehensive cleanup of the area. The governor described the fire incident as “preventable” and attributed it to negligence and carelessness.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the Dosunmu market would remain closed until the safety of all structures is ensured, and compliance with regulations is achieved. He underscored his administration’s unwavering commitment to safety and order in markets across the state.
The governor lamented the extent of the damage caused by the fire, which affected at least 14 buildings and led to the collapse of four structures. He noted that the initial response to the fire was hindered by the reckless behavior of some individuals who obstructed first responders’ access to the site.
Sanwo-Olu stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the incident to determine its cause and prevent future occurrences. He highlighted the conversion of residential apartments into warehouses storing inflammable materials as an unacceptable practice that poses significant risks to public safety.
As part of efforts to address the situation, Sanwo-Olu announced plans for extensive assessments and cleanup of the market area. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to enforcing compliance with regulations and ensuring the safety of residents.
The governor warned that buildings found to be non-compliant with safety standards would face demolition, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to violations. He pledged to keep the Dosunmu market closed for as long as necessary to carry out the required assessments and cleanup, emphasizing the government’s resolve to prioritize public safety above all else.
