Hundreds of shop owners and market leaders from the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday, demanding an immediate halt to the ongoing demolition of their market.
The protesters, who marched from the Lagos State Fire Service headquarters, displayed placards with messages condemning the demolition and calling for government intervention.
The market’s president general, Abiodun Ahmed, expressed outrage over the lack of prior notification, stating that over 500 shops were demolished without warning, resulting in losses worth billions of naira.
Ahmed also claimed that the demolition had already claimed lives, with three members dead and several others hospitalized.
The protesters are seeking justice and compensation for their losses. They are also calling on the state government to provide alternative spaces for them to continue their businesses.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has assured the protesters that they will investigate the matter and give it accelerated attention.
This is not the first time that market demolitions have sparked protests in Lagos. A similar pattern of late-night market demolitions was observed at the Police Officers’ Wives Association Shopping Complex in Computer Village, Ikeja.