Panic gripped parts of Lagos early Saturday after a fire outbreak destroyed several shops at Yaba Market in the Yaba area.

The blaze reportedly started around 3 a.m., engulfing multiple stalls and destroying goods worth millions of naira, according to eyewitnesses. Videos shared on social media showed thick smoke and flames spreading through sections of the market as traders and residents rushed to salvage belongings.

An eyewitness, Lugar Feliz, who livestreamed the incident on TikTok, said firefighters had arrived at the scene and identified the affected section as the Popo area of the market.

Another resident, Olamilekan Iyiola (@Olamilekan0932), described the incident as a “terrible fire outbreak in Yaba right now,” as emergency responders worked to contain the flames.

Some residents, however, expressed concern over the response effort. Adeoluwa (@Okunlola_Jude) said shops behind his property were completely destroyed, estimating losses in the billions of naira and alleging that only one fire truck initially responded despite the proximity of a fire service station.

Sullex Print and Branding (@SullexBranding) also reported equipment challenges, claiming that although three fire service trucks arrived, only one had water at the time. The user said the fire affected areas around Ajibode Street in Yaba.

As of Saturday morning, the cause of the fire had not been confirmed, and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service had yet to issue an official statement on the extent of damage or possible casualties.

Firefighters were still battling the blaze as residents called for improved emergency preparedness to reduce the risk of future incidents.