Tears and frustration full ground on Thursday as Lagos State Government demolish 19 buildings inside Trade Fair Plaza, leaving hundreds of traders stranded and confused. Di demolition, wey happen early morning, catch many shop owners unaware as bulldozers roll in under heavy security escort. Traders say dem no receive proper notice and accuse di government of insensitivity to their livelihood.

Officials from Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) talk say di buildings violate planning regulations and pose safety risk to di public. According to LASBCA General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, di structures no get valid approval and dey sit on government land illegally. He say, “We gave enough warnings, but they refused to comply. We cannot allow unsafe buildings to remain standing.”

But traders no gree with that explanation. Many of dem say dem don dey operate for di plaza for over 10 years and pay rent regularly to private developers wey manage di space. One trader, Madam Ngozi, wey sell electronics, cry say she lose goods worth over ₦15 million. “I just restocked last week. Everything don go. No compensation, no warning,” she lament.

Di demolition don spark protest among affected traders, with some blocking di expressway and calling for intervention from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Civil society groups don also join voice, say di government suppose provide alternative space or compensation before carrying out such drastic action. Di Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) warn say di move fit affect investor confidence and disrupt trade flow.

As di dust settle, traders dey count their losses and hope for government response. For now, di plaza don turn ghost town, with broken blocks and scattered goods as reminder of di sudden destruction. Di incident don reignite debate about urban planning, property rights, and how government dey treat informal businesses wey dey power Lagos economy.