By Gbenga Akinfenwa
Traders at Alaba International Market have called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to probe the demolition of buildings and shops, in the market located at Ojo Local Council of the state, by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).
President-General of the Alaba Amalgamated Council of Sectional Heads, Geofrey Udochukwu Mbonu, who made the call, yesterday, while addressing newsmen on the development, said over 30 structures and properties running into several billions of naira were demolished.
Mbonu said they were shocked and surprised the way the exercise was done without considering the fact that the market generates huge revenue for the local council and the state at large.
He expressed their displeasure over the damage caused by the act and how pained as Nigerians they are.
“We are under a local council where huge revenue is generated, we pay tax and what government did was to demolish our buildings together with our wares within the space of two days,” he said.
Mbonu said some of the claims, made by government, were false, stressing that Lagos was a swampy area and Igbo traders have always contributed to the development in the state.
Explaining their plight he said: “We are not against government carrying out demolition exercise but the manner in which they have invaded us, without issuing a warning notice and tackling the issue with a sense of humanity to achieve it.
“We are shocked by the lies told by the agency that we have been violent each time they come. Igbo traders have been peaceful,” he said.
Also, President of Alaba International Market Association, electronics section, Chief Camillus Amajuoyi, said the demolition took place suddenly and the extent of damage was enormous.
He said they had written several letters to the government on area boys’ exploitation of their members and customers, but the state government has not done anything about it.
He also said they have bad roads despite the fact that they pay all levies, including taxes to the government.
“We don’t enjoy any form of social services or amenities, yet our
properties were destroyed.
“Apart from the demolition our land was ceded to another developer with Lagos Logo on it. Ndigbo voted for Sanwo-Olu, why are they treating Igbos this way? If they want us to leave the state, they should inform us rather than meting inhumane and unjust treatment to us.”
Source: The Guardian