Fire Engulfs Yaba Market in Lagos, Traders Suffer Huge Losses

A major fire outbreak has ravaged a popular market in the Yaba area of Lagos State, destroying shops and goods worth millions of naira and causing panic among traders and residents. The blaze reportedly started in the early hours of Saturday around 3 a.m., quickly spreading across several sections of the market.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with thick smoke and flames consuming parts of the market near the Popo section. Traders and locals desperately tried to salvage their belongings, but much of the property was lost in the inferno. Videos circulating on social media captured the intensity of the fire and the frantic efforts of residents to control it.

An eyewitness, identified as Lugar Feliz during a TikTok livestream, said firefighters were on the scene but faced challenges in containing the blaze, with claims that some fire trucks lacked sufficient water. Several social media users on X (formerly Twitter) raised alarms about the incident, sharing videos and updates as the fire spread.

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Traders affected by the fire lamented the financial losses. One resident, Adeoluwa, said he woke up to find shops behind his completely razed, estimating that billions of naira worth of goods may have been destroyed. Other reports suggest that hundreds of traders lost merchandise, highlighting the devastating economic impact on small business owners.

As of now, the cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, have not released an official statement on the full extent of damage or whether there were casualties. The incident adds to a growing trend of market fires in Lagos, often attributed to poor infrastructure, overcrowded stalls, and inadequate fire safety measures.

Affected traders are now calling for improved emergency response systems, better fire safety protocols, and stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future disasters in crowded commercial hubs like Yaba.

Fire Engulfs Yaba Market in Lagos, Traders Suffer Huge Losses

Gunmen Kill Three in Jos Community Hours After Tinubu Visit

Gunmen have again struck in Jos, killing three residents just hours after the visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Plateau State, deepening concerns over rising insecurity in Plateau and the effectiveness of ongoing security measures.

The latest attack occurred in Nyamgo Gyel, a community in Jos South Local Government Area, where residents said the victims were ambushed by armed men while returning home—highlighting a troubling pattern of attacks in Plateau communities.

The victims were identified as Luka Sandu Pam, 36, Samuel Davou, 38, and Deme Saidu, 35. They were reportedly riding on a motorbike when the assailants opened fire on them at close range, killing them instantly and leaving families devastated.

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Eyewitness accounts revealed that the victims were among a group of about 15 young men who had earlier gone to a mining site in Gero. Trouble began as they made their way back home and unknowingly walked into an ambush.

The Youth Leader of Gyel community, Dung Davou, confirmed the incident, describing it as sudden and chaotic.

“We started hearing sporadic gunshots, and everyone scattered. Unfortunately, three of our people were killed,” he said.

He alleged that the attackers were suspected armed herdsmen and condemned what he described as repeated and unprovoked attacks on the community. He called on security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further loss of lives.

Security sources in Plateau State have yet to release an official statement on the latest killings, but local residents say fear and tension have intensified, especially in rural settlements where such attacks often occur without warning.

The incident comes shortly after President Tinubu’s visit to the state capital, Jos, where he met with stakeholders and reassured citizens of the federal government’s commitment to restoring peace following a series of deadly attacks.

Despite these assurances, the renewed violence has raised fresh questions about security response effectiveness in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, a region long plagued by farmer-herder clashes, banditry, and communal conflicts.

Community leaders are now calling for increased military deployment, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local vigilantes to curb the escalating violence.

In a related development, at least 10 people were reportedly killed and several others injured after gunmen attacked Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area last Sunday—one of several recent incidents underscoring the fragile security situation in the state.

Observers warn that continued attacks could worsen the humanitarian situation and displace more residents if urgent and sustained security interventions are not implemented.

Gunmen Kill Three in Jos Community Hours After Tinubu Visit

Amnesty International Condemns Wike Over ‘Violent Remark’ Against Journalist

Amnesty International has strongly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over what it described as a reckless and violent remark allegedly made against a journalist during a live television interview.

The rights group raised the alarm in a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, warning that such comments could encourage attacks on journalists and further endanger press freedom in Nigeria.

The controversy followed Wike’s appearance on Channels Television, where he reacted strongly to remarks by journalist Seun Okinbaloye about concerns over Nigeria drifting toward a one-party state.

During the exchange, Wike reportedly said, “If there’s any way to break the screen, I would have shot him…”—a statement that has since sparked outrage among civil society groups and media advocates.

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Reacting, Amnesty International described the comment as “reckless and violent language”, warning that such rhetoric from a senior government official could normalise violence against journalists and expose media professionals to danger simply for doing their jobs.

The organisation also pointed out that the statement may violate Nigeria’s broadcasting standards regulated by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, which prohibits inciting or harmful speech on air.

According to Amnesty, the remark is “unlawful and unacceptable”, particularly coming from a member of the federal cabinet, and reflects a troubling pattern of hostility toward the media.

The group called on Wike to immediately retract the statement and issue a public apology, stressing that public officials must exercise restraint and responsibility in their public communication.

“Mr Wike must withdraw his violent statement immediately and apologise,” Amnesty said, reiterating the need to protect journalists’ safety and uphold democratic values.

The incident has triggered broader reactions from civil society organisations and media stakeholders, many of whom warn that inflammatory political rhetoric could intimidate journalists, weaken independent reporting, and undermine Nigeria’s democracy if not addressed.

Observers say the development highlights growing concerns over freedom of expression in Nigeria, urging authorities to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding the media and ensuring journalists can operate without fear of threats or intimidation.

Amnesty International Condemns Wike Over ‘Violent Remark’ Against Journalist