A maternal uncle of three brothers who died in the Balogun Market fire on Lagos Island has accused the Lagos State Government of complicity in his family’s loss.

The fire, on December 24, 2025, engulfed a five-storey building and spread to a nearby 25-storey structure, claiming several lives.Basil Ndedigwe alleged that Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services officials demanded ₦35 million from market leaders before attempting to tackle the blaze. He claimed firefighters delayed action for nearly two hours and later suspended operations, citing insufficient water. “If they had started work on time, my nephews might still be alive,” he said.

Describing the alleged demand as shocking, he said the delay allowed the fire to spiral out of control, calling it a painful example of institutional failure.Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Media, Gboyega Akosile, dismissed the claims as implausible but urged market leaders to identify any official involved, promising disciplinary action. “Is it possible that there is an active fire and someone would demand ₦35 million before responding?” he asked.

While denying the allegation, Akosile expressed condolences to the families, emphasizing that the focus remained on mourning the d+ad and supporting affected families.
Source: Instablog
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