Thousands of Traders Displaced as Developers Demolish Alaba Rago Market in Lagos

…To pave way for modern shopping complex

Traders at the sprawling Alaba Rago foodstuff and livestock market in the Ojo area of Lagos State met the shock of their lives on Tuesday as bulldozers and caterpillars reduced what used to be their shops to rubble.

An eyewitness, Madam Teslim, who had gone to the market for shopping, told Brezenson Media that several traders were displaced and that she was unable to buy maize and other foodstuffs.

A trader, who gave his name as Ibrahim Saula, said although part of the market had been demolished about eight months ago because it was made up of shanties, he never believed that the exercise would be extended to shop owners occupying permanent buildings.

One of the operators of the bulldozers, who spoke to the media anonymously, said notice had been served over six years ago about the government’s intention to redevelop the area into a modern market, but the traders chose to ignore the notice, thinking it was a mere joke.

Some of the traders who spoke to Brezenson Media called on the State Governor to come to their aid. They also appealed to the developers to carry them along when the new shops would be ready for allocation.