70-Year-Old Man Hospitalised After Teargas Exposure During Trade Fair Demolition in Lagos

A 70-year-old man, identified simply as Baba Eko, was rushed to hospital on Thursday after inhaling teargas fired by security operatives during the demolition of structures at the popular Trade Fair Complex in Lagos.

The incident occurred as combined security forces moved to disperse traders protesting the demolition of more than 19 buildings at the New Mandela Plaza within the complex.

According to reports, the elderly man worked as a cleaner at the Magnus building and was inside the premises when security operatives released teargas to drive people away.

Eyewitnesses said the man slumped after struggling to breathe amid the chaos.

“People were shouting and running everywhere, then we saw the old man gasping for air before he collapsed. Some traders rushed him out and called for help,” a witness recounted.

The heavy security presence included operatives of the Lagos State Task Force, Rapid Response Squad, and other tactical teams, who cordoned off the area to stop traders from salvaging their goods.

The exercise, which traders described as “sudden and heartless,” left several shops and warehouses demolished, with victims lamenting massive losses.

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