Thousands of traders at the famous Alaba Rago Market in Ojo, Lagos, are still reeling from heavy losses after the state government demolished the 45-year-old trading hub.
The market, known for food, livestock, and scrap metal, has now suffered two demolitions in less than a year.
In May 2024, the Lagos State Taskforce stormed the site, claiming it was removing shanties and illegal structures.
But this fresh demolition began on Sunday, August 17, and continued until Wednesday, August 20.
By the end, traders were left counting what they described as decades of sweat, toil, and investment reduced to rubble.
Traders Say 3,000 Shops Destroyed
Alhaji Adamu Katagum, Waziri of Sarkin Alaba Rago and deputy to the market leader, said more than 3,000 shops, including dozens of mosques, were destroyed. He put traders’ cumulative losses at over ₦20 billion.
He recalled the history of the market: “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.”
Katagum lamented that government had not invested in the market’s development but still collected taxes and levies: “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.”
‘We Are Not Illegal Settlers’
Another trader, Alhaji Muhammed Rabiu ‘Yan Masarain, said their loyalty and contributions to Lagos were being ignored. He recalled that the community had supported the ruling party since 1999 and had always paid taxes.
“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,” he said.
Rabiu described the scene when bulldozers moved in: “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.”
The Lagos State Government has not issued an official statement on the demolition. Many affected traders are now calling for compensation and questioning whether dialogue could have replaced force.
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