Traders at the popular Alaba Rago Market in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State have appealed to the state government for compensation over the losses they incurred following the demolition of the market.

The exercise marks the second demolition to hit the 45-year-old food, livestock, and scrap metal market.

In May 2024, officials of the Lagos State Taskforce stormed the market, saying the operation was aimed at removing shanties and illegal structures.

It was, however, gathered that the latest round of demolition began on Sunday, August 17, and continued until Wednesday, August 20, displacing thousands of traders.

Alhaji Adamu Katagum, Waziri of Sarkin Alaba Rago and second-in-command to the market leader, told Daily Trust that more than 3,000 shops, including mosques, were destroyed. He estimated traders’ cumulative losses at over N20 billion.

He recalled that the market was first allocated to Northern traders in 1979, who invested heavily to develop it.

“At that time, this place was bushy and swampy, with no road network. It was Hausa traders who developed it with their resources and hard-earned income for decades.

“The government never built a single structure here, yet we faithfully pay taxes and dues. Suddenly, they came and destroyed what we had laboured for 50 years without following due process. It is a huge loss to us Northerners striving to earn a living here,” Katagum said.

He also expressed frustration over the alleged lack of prior notice, saying, “We have spent over 50 years building this market. We suffered to establish our businesses here, and in a single day, they demolished everything-without warning. We counted at least 40 mosques destroyed.”

Another victim, Alhaji Muhammed Rabiu ‘Yan Masarain, decried what he described as unfair treatment despite the traders’ contributions to the socioeconomic development of Lagos State.

He noted that the community had supported the ruling party in Lagos since 1999 and said this was not the right way to reward their loyalty.

“We are Nigerians, and Lagos is part of Nigeria. We have every right to be here, where we have lived and traded since it was nothing but a swamp. We are not illegal settlers. Our properties have legal papers, and we pay all required taxes and levies.

“Yet, we just woke up on Monday morning to be confronted by bulldozers and armed policemen. Our wealth and livelihood crumbled in the blink of an eye,” Rabiu said in an emotion-laden voice.

The Lagos State Government has yet to issue a statement on the demolition exercise at one of the busiest and most populated markets in the state. (Daily Trust)