Traders at the New Mandela Plaza inside the Trade Fair Complex, Lagos were thrown into shock and despair yesterday as the Lagos State Government demolished no fewer than 19 buildings in the area under heavy security presence.
The exercise, led by the Lagos State Task Force, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and other tactical teams, saw bulldozers roll into the plaza while stern-looking officers restricted access, dispersed protesting traders, and blocked attempts to film the operation.
By midday, several multi-million-naira buildings had already been reduced to rubble, sparking outrage among shop owners. Many claimed they received no prior notice before their properties were destroyed.
One trader lamented:
“We don’t even know the reason for the demolition. That’s why everyone is just confused, asking questions.”
Another, visibly distressed, said goods worth millions were lost inside locked shops as bulldozers crushed their investments.
According to distraught traders, each affected building was worth over ₦150 million, with many investors relying on bank loans. Chief Magnus Ike, CEO of Magnus Merchandise, insisted that his property had federal approval, not state:
“No notice was served by Lagos State. Even the Ministry of Environment has inspected this place before. You don’t let people borrow money, build for years, then destroy their sweat overnight.”
Gesturing at the rubble, Ike dismissed claims that the structures were on a canal:
“There is no canal here. If there’s a problem, due process demands notice. None was given.”
His brother, Mr. Magnus Ikenna, recalled:
“As of Wednesday, there was no sign of demolition. This morning, bulldozers just entered with tear gas. They now say we don’t have state approval, but since 2000 we’ve only dealt with the Federal Government. How can rules just change overnight?”
Visibly shaken, he added:
“This is what people borrowed money to build. How do we repay the banks now? Government should intervene before people collapse from heart attacks.”
Lagos Government Reacts
In response, Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed the demolition via X. He explained that the targeted structures were “illegal developments without statutory approvals, defective buildings, and properties blocking road setbacks and drainages.”
“Lagos State cannot fold its arms while unapproved developments endanger lives,” he said.
The operation was jointly carried out by the Ministry of Physical Planning, LASBCA, LASURA, and LASPPA, with security operatives providing backup.
Hours later, the Lagos State Government suspended further demolition at the plaza but ordered an immediate halt to all ongoing constructions. Market leaders are now scheduled to meet with officials next Tuesday.
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