The Lagos State Government has indefinitely shut its Ejigbo Fire Station following repeated attacks on firefighters, raising concerns about emergency response in the area.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said its personnel were attacked twice within four days, on Oct. 13 and Oct. 16, 2026.
According to the service, the first incident was reported to the Ejigbo Police Station.
However, the alleged attackers reportedly returned on Friday and assaulted firefighters again, disrupting operations despite the intervention of senior police officers.
The Controller-General of the service, Margaret Abimbola Adeseye, condemned the attacks, warning that violence against emergency workers could put residents at risk.
“Attacks on emergency responders can compromise operational readiness, delay emergency interventions and expose members of the public to avoidable risks,” Adeseye said in a statement.
She stressed that firefighters must be able to perform their duties “without fear of violence, intimidation or unlawful interference.”
The service said the station would remain closed indefinitely until the security concerns were satisfactorily resolved.
It added that firefighters and equipment attached to the station would be temporarily moved to an undisclosed location for security reasons.
“This precautionary measure is intended to safeguard personnel and equipment while ensuring continuity of emergency response operations within the affected area,” Adeseye said.
She called on security agencies to conduct a “thorough, impartial and professional investigation” into the incidents and take appropriate legal action against anyone found responsible.
The service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across Lagos State and urged residents to respect emergency workers and allow them to perform their duties without obstruction or intimidation.
The closure raises concerns about how quickly firefighters can reach emergencies in Ejigbo while the station remains shut.
Comments
Add a comment