8th September, 2011
A cart pusher simply identified as Idowu was burnt to death this morning when fire gutted a section of Mafoluku-Oja Oke market in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government area of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.
According to sources in the market, the fire was noticed at the market office at about 1.30 a.m.
The victim was said to be a regular face in the market and also helped in cleaning the market every Thursday morning during the weekly environmental exercise.
He was said to be sleeping inside the market in order to assist in the cleaning of the market this morning.
The late Idowu’s remains have been removed and deposited at the Lagos State University Teaching hospital, LASUTH mortuary.
The officials of the Lagos State Fire and Safety Services later arrived the scene to put out the fire at about 5. a.m.
Early callers at the market did not know that Idowu was burnt to death until there was a search of the market office and his charred body was discovered. Five carts and other goods were burnt before the fire was put out.
The market leaders were not available when P.M.NEWS called there this morning.
Meanwhile, because of the fire and the loss of life, the market has been closed temporarily to economic activities.
—Paul Sanusi