OVER 600 traders in Lagos mainland have been reportedly affected by the recent demolition exercises carried out by agents of the Lagos State government. The agents pulled down shops and houses, rendering the victims homeless and without means of living.
The victims are alleging official vendetta, victimisation, deceit, land grabbing and ambush by some state actors.
Officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA), according to the chairman of Ademuyiwa Market Committee, Anni Fadipe Fatai, penultimate Thursday demolished over 350 shops and stalls belonging to about 600 traders in the market.
The affected traders were allegedly given seven days to vacate the market without prior notification or correspondence.
The demolition exercise, the traders alleged, was instigated by the council chairperson, Rashidat Omolola Essien, following their refusal to comply with her directive to pay additional levy.
Efforts by Saturday Tribune to get Essien’s side of the story…