Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has pledged to demolish more buildings to facilitate the thorough cleanup of the Dosunmu market. Sanwo-Olu made this declaration on Thursday during his visit to the market, which was ravaged by fire on Tuesday. The inferno engulfed at least 14 buildings, resulting in the collapse of four structures, as reported by Ibrahim Farinloye, the Lagos Territorial Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Authority.

Describing the disaster as “preventable,” Sanwo-Olu attributed it to negligence. In a statement shared on X, the governor emphasized that Dosunmu Market would remain closed until the safety of all structures could be guaranteed, and regulatory compliance ensured. He reiterated the government’s steadfast commitment to safety and order in marketplaces.

Sanwo-Olu lamented the recklessness of individuals who obstructed first responders’ efforts to contain the fire, prolonging the disaster. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive assessment of affected structures and announced plans for extensive fit-for-purpose testing.

The governor underscored the importance of preventing similar incidents in the future, highlighting the conversion of residential apartments into warehouses storing inflammable materials as unacceptable. Sanwo-Olu affirmed the government’s determination to enforce compliance with regulations and safeguard lives.

He emphasized that the Dosunmu Market fire should serve as a wake-up call, reaffirming the government’s readiness to take decisive action against non-compliant structures. Sanwo-Olu vowed to maintain a zero-tolerance stance and shut down the area until all necessary assessments and cleanup operations are completed.