No fewer than 19 buildings at New Mandela Plaza within Lagos’ Trade Fair Complex were demolished yesterday, as the Lagos State government moved in with heavy security to enforce the exercise.
The demolition took place under tight surveillance, with convoys of trucks from the Lagos State Task Force, Rapid Response Squad, and other tactical teams stationed around the plaza. Access was restricted, and traders attempting to record the operation were dispersed.
By the time of reporting, several targeted structures had already been reduced to rubble, sparking outrage among traders, many of whom claimed they received no prior notice.
A trader, speaking reluctantly, said: “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 structures may have been deemed too close to a canal.
A visibly agitated plaza owner arrived as bulldozers tore down his shop, shouting that no notice had been served. Several sales representatives lamented that goods still inside the shops were destroyed along with the buildings.
Traders estimated that each of the 19 demolished buildings was valued at over N150 million. 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.”
Chief Magnus Ike, CEO of Magnus Merchandise, watched his multi-billion-Naira property succumb to the bulldozers. He insisted his building had federal approval: “Honestly, I have not been served any notice from the Lagos State Government whatsoever. The proper thing is to notify us. You don’t just let people borrow bank money, take loans, and then crush their investment overnight.”
He dismissed claims that the property sat on a canal, gesturing around: “Look for yourself, there is no canal here. Due process demands notice. None was given.”
Standing amid the ruins, he declared defiantly: “Demolition or not, I will continue to build. Lagos is for all of us, we go nowhere.”
His younger brother, Magnus Ikenna, echoed his frustration: “Even as of Wednesday, there was no sign of demolition. This morning, they just moved in with bulldozers and started tear-gassing everybody. They said we don’t have state approval, but since 2000 we’ve always dealt with federal government here. How can the rules suddenly change overnight?”
The incident has raised concerns over the coordination between federal and state authorities and the need for proper communication with affected traders before enforcement actions.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
