Lagos Government demolishes shops at Popular Ojodu Berger Market

Hundreds of traders and shop owners at the Popular Ojodu Berger Market, Ojodu Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Lagos state are counting their losses, following the demolition of the facility by suspected agents of the state government on Wednesday.

The market was demolished on Wednesday in compliance with Lagos High Court judgment in a suit number: ID/10900/2000.

There were however, different accounts of the reasons for the demolition. While some accused an unnamed former governor of being responsible for the demolition, others claimed the land had been under global acquisition for years.

Military personnel attached to Operation MESA, OP MESA, were seen at strategic areas to ensure peace was maintained. The military men were however hostile as they detained anyone found recording their activities at the scene.

According to sources, the law enforcement personnel stormed the market at about 10 am on the fateful day and ordered the traders to vacate the market.

A trader, Adebimpe Adebiyi, said: “It is pathetic that despite paying monthly rent, our stalls were demolished in this manner. I know that those collecting the rent were aware that there was a pending court case but they didn’t alert us. Infact, some of the traders just paid three months rents advance.”