Manny Ita
The Lagos State Government has begun preliminary steps to address the crisis at Computer Village following a “Save Our Souls” appeal by affected traders, although no formal compensation package had been announced as of January 22, 2026.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed that the affected area has been cordoned off to allow for a structural integrity assessment, describing the process as a mandatory first step before any financial enumeration or rebuilding can take place.
At the local level, the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Hon. Mojeed Balogun, visited the scene on Wednesday and assured the 13 affected shop owners of the council’s support. He said the local government was working with the state authorities to verify the extent of losses recorded in the incident.
The state government has also expanded its investigation to include electrical safety concerns following claims by traders that a high-voltage surge from the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company triggered the fire. Officials confirmed that electrical safety protocols form part of the ongoing inquiry.
While traders await concrete relief measures, observers point to precedent under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who approved compensation for victims of previous market fires. In late 2024, traders affected by the Docemo Market inferno received grants ranging from ₦750,000 to ₦2.5 million, raising expectations that a similar relief framework may be considered for the Computer Village incident.
