The Lagos State Government has demolished Alaba Rago Market, a popular commercial hub largely dominated by Northern Nigerian traders who have operated in the area for over five decades.

According to government officials, the market had expanded excessively into the city, creating serious congestion and disorder that warranted urgent intervention.

However, the demolition has triggered widespread frustration among affected traders, many of whom claim they were given no prior notice.

“We have spent over 50 years building this market. We’ve suffered to establish our businesses here. Yet, in a single day, they came and demolished everything without any notice. 40 mosques were destroyed,” one displaced trader lamented.

The incident has raised critical concerns over compensation, resettlement plans, and ethnic relations in Lagos, as thousands of traders now face uncertainty over their livelihoods and places of worship.

Observers are calling on the government to clarify whether any resettlement or compensation schemes will be provided to the affected community, while others fear the move could heighten tensions between ethnic groups in the state.