Residents of Alaba Rago Market in Lagos have shared their stories after the recent demolition carried out by the Lagos State government.

One trader, who has been in the market for over 50 years, expressed heartbreak over losing decades of hard work. A community member emphasised, "We are Nigerians; Lagos is part of Nigeria. We've lived and traded here since it was just a swamp."

Another resident confirmed, "Our properties are all legal, and we pay all necessary fees. We are not illegal settlers."

They recall waking up to bulldozers and police armed to the teeth, with one saying, "We lost so much overnight—the wealth and livelihood we've built." Many are calling it a grave injustice, urging authorities to review the demolition and provide compensation.

MyNigeria visited the scene of the demolition and saw traders attempting to salvage what remained of their goods, which many of them had been unable to evacuate before the demolition.

What once stood as a million-dollar market had become a pile of rubble, as the traders, mostly of northern extraction, called on their leaders to intervene so that they could be compensated.

The Lagos State government is yet to issue an official statement concerning the demolition, as of the time of filing this report. However, sources claim the demolition was due to the filthiness of the environment and the weak buildings in the market.

ASA