A sudden fire outbreak at a pipeline corridor in the Abule Egba area of Lagos State on Monday triggered widespread panic among residents and commuters, forcing many to flee for safety. The incident, which occurred at the Katangowa pipeline site, was eventually brought under control by emergency responders, with officials confirming no loss of life.
Chaos and Community Response
The blaze began when stored foams at the site ignited, sending thick, dark smoke and intense flames into the air. The sight caused immediate alarm in the densely populated neighbourhood, with fears of a potential explosion rippling through the community. Witnesses described scenes of momentary chaos as people scrambled to move to a safe distance from the spreading fire.
Before the arrival of professional firefighters, some brave residents and passers-by took initiative, attempting to fight the flames using whatever materials were available to them. Their efforts helped slow the fire's advance, but the situation required specialised equipment to be fully subdued.
Official Intervention and Nationwide Fire Incidents
Officials from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene and managed to contain the blaze. Their swift action prevented it from spreading to nearby buildings and other critical infrastructure. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation has been launched to determine how the foams caught fire.
This incident in Lagos was part of a series of fire outbreaks recorded across Nigeria during the New Year period. According to The Guardian, multiple incidents were reported on New Year's Day in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos, Imo, Gombe, Kwara, and Bayelsa states.
Details of Other Major Fires
Federal Fire Service spokesman, Paul Abraham, provided details on several significant incidents. In Abuja, a fire broke out at the Cake Hot Restaurant in River Plate Park, Wuse, shortly after midnight on January 1. Firefighters from the Federal Fire Service and the FCT Fire Service responded jointly, containing a blaze that could have escalated into a major disaster in the busy area.
Abraham stated that property worth an estimated ₦1.5 billion was saved, while losses were pegged at around ₦500 million. Preliminary findings linked this fire to fireworks used during New Year celebrations.
Tragically, a fatal fire occurred in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Firefighters responded to a residential fire involving a wooden structure. While property worth about ₦10 million was saved, the incident claimed the life of an 11-year-old child. Preliminary reports indicate the fire was caused by a candle left unattended.
Other fires were reported at Ikotun Market in Lagos and in the states of Imo, Gombe, and Kwara, where fire services managed to prevent escalation and minimise damage.
Authorities Issue Safety Warnings
In the wake of the Abule Egba incident, authorities have issued strong advisories to the public. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and strictly avoid any activities around pipeline corridors, which are designated as high-risk safety zones. Officials have also called on the community to promptly report any unusual activity or potential hazards near pipelines to the relevant agencies to prevent future occurrences.
The series of incidents has underscored the persistent fire risks faced in various communities and the critical importance of both professional emergency services and public caution.
