by Chi Ibe

There has been a fire at the Alapere area of Ketu in Lagos destroying more than four houses, eye-witness reports claim.

The fire which started on Thursday night at about 9pm began in a plank market located beside a canal on Demurin Street.

It is still unclear how the fire started, neither is there an official confirmation of casualties but according to reports; an eyewitness reportedly said some residents might have been killed by the raging blaze.

“The fire has destroyed over four houses already and it is still spreading. The fire service brought three tankers of water but the water has been exhausted and the fire has still not been put out.

“The fire started late at night when many people had already retired to their rooms and many might have been trapped in their houses by the fire.”

The state police command through its spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, said they were still working to ascertain the cause of the fire but the Divisional Police Officers within the area were working at the site to assist in putting out the fire and maintaining order.