An early morning fire engulfed the popular Akere auto-spare parts market, along Kirikiri Road, in Ajegunle, Lagos.
The multi-billion naira market located at Kirikiri Road, Akere Bus Stop, Olodi-Apapa, was second only to Ladipo auto spare parts market, along Oshodi-Apapa express way.
Residents alleged that the fire started at about 3:00 a.m., yesterday, after masked men came with four motorcycles carrying two persons each and guns along with a shuttle bus with seven persons.
The residents said the gunmen attempted to attack the market last week Thursday, March 2, 2023, but were overpowered by local security. They claimed the gunmen shot sporadically to scare residents off to prevent resistance.
According to residents, the market leaders reported the matter to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Tolu Post, Etuk Akaninyene, who gave them assurance that they will handle the situation.
When contacted, the DPO, Mr. Akaninyene, refused to speak on the issue but referred reporters to the Lagos state Police spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin.
The Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, said: “I didn’t get the report of any attack but we have commenced an investigation and we will keep Nigerians updated on our findings.”
The residents said the gunmen attempted to attack the market last week Thursday, March 2, 2023, but were overpowered by local security.
A 65-year-old security guard was confirmed to have been killed by the men that burnt the market, while traders counted losses, yesterday, following the early morning fire that engulfed the market.
The Labour Party governorship candidate for Saturday’s election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has visited the scene and donated N15 million to ameliorate sufferings of the Ajegunle fire victims.