The Lagos State Government on Wednesday demolished the Owonifari Market at Oshodi which has been in existence for more than 40 years.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government had earlier closed the market to curb security challenges within Oshodi metropolis.
The demolition was directly supervised in the earlier hours of Wednesday by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode. Also
on ground to supervise the demolition were the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Babatunde Adejare, officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KIA), police and some other top government officials.
A director in the Ministry of Environment, who is the head of the demolition task force, declined to comment when contacted by the NAN. NAN learnt that the affected traders and shop owners had been relocated to the new Isopakodowo Market at Bolade Area of Oshodi. NAN also reports that the state government had said in a statement that it planned to transform the market intoan ultra-modern bus terminus with new bus shelters befitting a structured park in a mega city.The demolition was completed at about 7:45 a.m.
Most of the marketers here are igbos.
Some of them are still in the village for New Year Celebration. Government gave 7 days notice but traders said its not enough
There is speculation that the space will be used for flowers or BRT park. Goods worth billions are trapped in the carnage.
Most Ibo traders are suggesting the demolish ion is a political attack on them after they overwhelmingly voted a PDP candidate during the last Governorship elections which Akinwumi Ambode won
Traders are saying highbrow shops in Oshodi like Arena are too exhobitant for them.
Some traders who are overwhelmed by the sight of their stores stand with hands across their chests. Others can be seen in the carnage, rummaging through and trying to salvage what little items they can.
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