Mandilas Fire Leaves Shop Owner Devastated, Blames Landlord

The incident happened around 1:15 p.m. when businesses were closed. The fire originated in a warehouse on the first floor and spread to other levels.

In a recent interview, Agu Versace, a shop owner at Mandilas, shared insights into the fire. He attributed the blaze to the construction activities of the landlord of the 15-storey building.  He expressed concern about the lack of prior notice regarding construction activities.

According to Agu, “My boys informed me last Saturday that workers were increasing the building’s height.

“We were not informed by the landlord or any Lagos agencies. My boys were asked to disconnect the ACs and electrical appliances for the construction work without proper notice.

“After a heated argument, my instructions were to disconnect.

“So, while the local welders were working, sparks were dropping and creating fires. When one started, my boys drew their attention to it. The workers ignored them.

“Thankfully, one of my boys noticed it and managed to extinguish it. Others happened, and my boys drew their attention to it. But they still ignored them. “It was when the one that turned into this inferno started that the workers were now trying to put it out. But it had spread. And then they all disappeared.

“There was no formal communication from the landlord about the construction. Even as we speak, no communication. My goods worth billions were lost.”

The affected individuals, distressed and unable to salvage goods, are currently hesitant to speak to the press. Agu urged the Lagos state government to improve the fire service, highlighting that a quicker response could have minimized damage caused by the Mandilas fire.