Amid tight security and rising tensions, the Lagos State Government on Thursday razed over 19 buildings at the New Mandela Plaza within the Trade Fair Complex, leaving traders in shock and demanding answers.
The operation, which unfolded under the watchful eyes of heavily armed personnel, has sparked outrage among affected shop owners who claim they received no prior notice, resulting in the destruction of goods worth millions of naira.
The demolition exercise began early in the morning at the bustling Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, a key commercial hub in Lagos.
Convoys of trucks from the Lagos State Task Force, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and tactical teams cordoned off the area, with stern-faced officers restricting access and barring traders from recording the event on their phones.
Security operatives remained on site throughout the day to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order, ensuring the operation proceeded without major incidents.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and heartbreak as excavators tore down the structures, which housed shops and businesses vital to many families' livelihoods. One trader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented the loss: "We woke up to this nightmare. Our goods are trapped inside—fabrics, electronics, everything we've invested our life savings in. Each building here is worth over N150 million. How do we start over?"
Affected business owners estimated the total value of the demolished properties in the hundreds of millions of naira, with calls for compensation echoing through the crowd.
The reasons behind the demolition remain unclear, as no official statement from the Lagos State Government was available at press time.
Speculation among traders pointed to the buildings' proximity to a nearby canal, potentially violating environmental or urban planning regulations. However, this has not been confirmed by authorities.
CSP Adetayo Akerele, Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, distanced his office from the operation, telling reporters on site: "This exercise did not originate from the Task Force. Security agencies often request our backup for such matters. If any reports come to my table, I will provide further details."
The Task Force's involvement appeared limited to providing logistical support, underscoring the multi-agency nature of the enforcement.
The incident adds to a series of controversial demolitions in Lagos, often justified by the state government as efforts to reclaim public spaces, enforce building codes, or mitigate flooding risks.
Critics, including civil society groups, have accused the administration of heavy-handed tactics and inadequate compensation for displaced residents and businesses.
"This is not just about structures; it's about lives upended without due process," said Lagos-based activist, Mr. Chinedu Eze, who arrived at the scene to support the traders.
As dust settled over the rubble-strewn site, displaced traders gathered in small groups, vowing to seek legal recourse.
One shop owner, Mrs. Funmi Adebayo, a mother of three who has run her textile business at the plaza for over a decade, tearfully questioned: "What is the government's plan for us now? We pay taxes, we contribute to the economy—why treat us like this?"
The Lagos State Government is yet to respond to requests for comment, but officials hinted that a full briefing might follow in the coming days.
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