Tension as Traders Protest Demolition of Shops in Lagos Island

Tension as Traders Protest Demolition of Shops in Lagos Island

Traders in Lagos Island have taken to the streets to protest against the recent demolition of their shops by the State Government. The traders argue that they have been paying allocation fees and revenue to the local government annually, stressing that their shops are legitimate and should not have been pulled down.

The crackdown on shops and extensions across Lagos Island began shortly after the devastating Dosunmu Market fire incident that resulted in billions of naira in property losses. Governor Babajide Sanwoolu had committed to eradicating illegal structures in order to prevent future disasters during his visit to the fire-ravaged market.

Expressing their frustration, market leader Alhaji accused the government of using the Dosunmu fire as an excuse to carry out pre-planned demolitions, alleging that legitimate traders were being unfairly targeted. Another trader, Iya Ibeji, lamented the loss of all her shops, unsure of where to begin again following the unexpected demolition.

The traders are calling for a thorough investigation into the validity of the demolition before any further action is taken, emphasizing that their shops were not the cause of the fires that ravaged Lagos Island. As tensions rise between the traders and the government, the fate of these demolished shops remains in the balance, with both parties at loggerheads over the situation.