There was panic on Friday after fire gutted some shanties in the popular Alaba International Market in the Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the fire started on Friday morning.

It was also learnt that some traders in the market resorted to self-help to put out the fire before the arrival of emergency responders.

The Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, in a statement on Friday, disclosed that none of the stores in the market was affected.

She said, “It is instructive to confirm that shanties and not shops are on fire, please.”

She further stated that the incident degenerated into a security situation as officials of the agency were unable to gain access into the area to carry out their duties.

Adeseye said the agency was collaborating with security agents to address the situation.