One of the Lagos State popular markets, Alade Market, Ikeja, was on Sunday engulfed in flames .

Although the cause of the inferno could not be established as of press time, eyewitnesses told our correspondents that the fire was extensive.

Alade is popular in Lagos for its bureau-de-change activities and boutiques.

Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Razaq Fadipe, told one of our correspondents on the telephone that officials of the service were battling to put out the fire.

He said, “We got a distress call this evening that Alade Market was on fire. We have deployed a team from Alausa station to the place. The fire is extensive, but as I am talking to you, we are working hard to put it out.”

Also, a source in the state Emergency Management Agency said LASEMA had mobilised its officials and were at the scene of the inferno to assist in rescue efforts.

The state police command spokesman, Ngozi Braide, said policemen had been deployed in the area to prevent looting.

She said, “The Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area is already on the ground. He is leading the effort to ensure that hoodlums did not take advantage of the confusion that the inferno will cause to commit crime.

“Right now, rescue efforts are ongoing.”