Panic swept through parts of Lagos in the early hours of Saturday following a fire outbreak at a market in the Yaba area.

The blaze, which reportedly began around 3:00 a.m., destroyed several shops and goods, leaving traders counting their losses. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of thick smoke and intense flames as traders and residents rushed to salvage whatever belongings they could.

According to a TikTok livestream an eyewitness identified as Lugar Feliz confirmed that firefighters had arrived at the scene. He stated that the fire appeared to have originated from the Popo section of the market.

The incident also sparked reactions on social media, where several users raised alarm over the situation. One user, Clinically Firm (@GAnorue17378), posted, “BREAKING: Yaba Market on Fire since yesterday night. Details later.” Another, Obutexofficial (@Obutex7), wrote, “Yaba on Fire, fire outbreak since 1 am,” while Olamilekan Iyiola (@Olamilekan0932) described it as “a terrible fire outbreak in Yaba right now.”

As of the time of filing this report, authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the cause of the fire or the full extent of the damage.