Owode Onirin Traders Decry Market Demolition, Allege Looting and Police Complicity

Lagos, March 26, 2025 – The demolition of over 500 shops at Owode Onirin spare parts market has left traders counting their losses, with many accusing the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), land grabbers, and law enforcement officers of orchestrating an illegal takeover of their business premises.

The affected traders, in a desperate bid for justice, staged a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly, carrying placards and chanting slogans against what they described as a ruthless attack on their livelihoods. The demonstration, which drew traders from various sections of the market, was aimed at seeking government intervention and accountability from those responsible for the demolition.

Traders Accuse LASBCA, Police of Collusion

Reports indicate that on Thursday, March 6, 2025, LASBCA officials, escorted by policemen and hundreds of suspected thugs wielding dangerous weapons, stormed Owode Market and razed over 500 shops. Goods worth billions of naira were either destroyed or looted, leaving many traders financially devastated.

Mr. Abiodun Ahmed, chairman of the traders’ association, disclosed that his three shops were demolished, and his merchandise was carted away. According to him, the attack was well-coordinated, as the presence of police officers emboldened the hoodlums to ransack the market without resistance.

“I was unlawfully detained at Alagbon Police Station and warned not to return to the market after my release. It is heartbreaking that two traders lost their lives due to the shock and distress caused by this incident,” he lamented.

Protesters Demand Justice, Call for Probe

At the Lagos State House of Assembly, traders carried placards with inscriptions such as:

“No notice of market relocation!”
“The Lagos State Government must call LASBCA to order!”
“Mr Speaker, save our livelihoods and preserve our market!”
“Inspector General of Police, call F.C.I.D Alagbon to order!”

Comrade Alex Omotehinse, President of the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), condemned the demolition and urged the government to probe the involvement of security operatives and land grabbers.

He noted that despite the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, issuing a directive barring police officers from meddling in land disputes, officers were still actively involved in the destruction of the market.

Government Promises Action

The traders’ petition was formally received by Honourable Rasheed Shabi, a member of the Assembly representing Lagos Mainland 2. He assured them of a swift investigation into the matter, promising that the Assembly would take necessary steps to ensure justice.

“You have presented your grievances before your House, where justice shall prevail. I assure you that we shall address your concerns with the urgency they deserve. I implore you to maintain peace and return home calmly,” Shabi stated.

For now, the fate of the displaced traders remains uncertain as they await the government’s intervention. Meanwhile, allegations of land grabbing, official misconduct, and police complicity continue to fuel tensions over the destruction of one of Lagos’ most prominent spare parts markets.

Owode Onirin Traders Decry Market Demolition, Allege Looting and Police Complicity