A raging fire, on Tuesday evening, engulfed sections of the Alaba International Market in Lagos, destroying numerous shops and triggering chaos among traders.

A live TikTok broadcast by user KB Clothings showed thick black smoke rising into the sky as devastated traders watched in anguish.

Some broke down in tears over their losses, while others desperately attempted to retrieve their goods before the flames spread further.

Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were on the scene, battling to contain the inferno.

Eyewitnesses said the blaze swept through several locked shops and warehouses, with some traders accusing market security personnel of responding too slowly when the fire started.