Woman Dies After Losing Millions in Lagos Market Demolition

A 68-year-old woman identified as Alhaja Iyabo has tragically passed away following the demolition of shanties in the Alaba Rago market area of Ojo by the Lagos State Government. Alhaja Iyabo, a respected dealer in rice and beans, reportedly suffered a heart problem upon discovering that her substantial earnings, totaling over N50 million, had vanished during the demolition.

The Lagos State Government’s task force had issued a removal notice on May 15, targeting squatters and occupants of illegal structures in Alaba Rago, directing them to vacate the premises immediately. However, many traders, including Alhaja Iyabo, were caught off guard as they had stored their weekend sales in safes within the market, intending to deposit the money in banks the following Monday.

Market leaders, speaking to our correspondents, lamented the colossal losses suffered by traders, estimating the total damages to reach a staggering N50 billion. Bags of rice, beans, livestock, and significant amounts of cash were among the items lost during the demolition.

Mallam Ibrahim Hamad Namari, head of the cow dealers in Alaba Rago market, expressed dismay over the lack of prior notice regarding the demolition scheduled for Sunday morning. According to Mallam Namari, the state task force had only provided a removal notice to a section of the market without specifying a start date for the demolition.

CSP Shola Jejeloye, leading the state task force, defended their actions, stating that the removal notice had been issued in accordance with an earlier one issued on May 19, 2022. However, traders argue that they were not adequately informed, resulting in devastating losses.

Nushubau Ahmad, secretary of the yam dealers, echoed the sentiment of widespread devastation, estimating the total losses incurred by traders to be as high as N50 billion.

The untimely demise of Alhaja Iyabo serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of such demolitions, leaving behind a grieving community grappling with both financial ruin and the loss of a beloved member.