Lagos Govt Demolishes Over 19 Buildings at Trade Fair Complex Under Heavy Security

The Lagos State Government on Thursday demolished more than 19 buildings at the New Mandela Plaza within the popular Trade Fair Complex, deploying heavy security to enforce the exercise.

The operation was carried out under tight security, with a convoy of Lagos State Task Force trucks, Rapid Response Squad units, and tactical teams stationed across the plaza. Stern-looking officers restricted access to the premises and ordered traders attempting to film the demolition to leave the area.

By the time of filing this report, several buildings inside the plaza had already been reduced to rubble, drawing outrage from shop owners who insisted they were not given prior notice.

One trader told Vanguard: “We don’t even know the reason for the demolition. That’s why you see people moving up and down, asking questions.” Another speculated that some of the affected structures may have been marked for being too close to a canal.

A plaza owner, who arrived while his shop was being pulled down, shouted from his car that no notice had been served. Some sales representatives also lamented that their bosses’ goods, still locked in the shops, were destroyed alongside the buildings.

Distraught traders disclosed that each of the demolished buildings was valued at over ₦150 million, with no fewer than 19 affected. One trader fumed: “If government doesn’t want companies or development here, they should just come out and say it. People have invested their life savings here. Over 19 buildings are in that plaza.”

When contacted, the Lagos State Task Force Chairman denied initiating the demolition, clarifying that security agencies sometimes request Task Force backup for enforcement. “That does not mean they initiated the process. However, if such reports come to my table, I will let you know,” he said.

As at press time, the Lagos State Government had yet to issue an official statement on the demolition, though security operatives remained stationed at the complex to prevent unrest.

Opinion Nigeria News