The Northern leaders, under the auspices of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), have condemned the demolition of Alaban Rago Market by the Lagos State Government, stating that it is part of an agenda to destroy the means of livelihood of Northerners residing in the state.

In a statement, the ACF spokesman, Professor Tukur Mohammad-Baba, said, “It is with concern that the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) received news about the recent demolition of the historic Alaba Rago Market in Lagos State, the hub of livestock business in the state”.

He said, “Expectedly, the demolition of the historic market has resulted in losses of businesses and property, with disruption to the means of livelihoods and other woes for thousands of people”, adding that “mercifully, no loss of lives has been reported”.

Mohammad-Baba added: “ACF commiserates with all those affected, who suffered direct and indirect losses and other disruptions arising from the development. Hopefully, the usual famed stoic resilience of our industrious people will come to play in helping those affected to cope with losses arising from the demolition”.

He pointed out, “ACF has initiated efforts to obtain full details of the incident, its impact and antecedents leading to it. The outcome of the investigations should provide a basis for an engagement with the affected community and the Lagos State Government for a satisfactory resolution of the problem”.

However, Mohammad-Baba remarked, “In the meantime, ACF calls on the Lagos State and Federal authorities to extend aid to the victims of the incident and to help all to rebuild their lives. ACF also calls on all those affected and their sympathisers to remain calm and law-abiding.”

He added, “Alaba Rago has been a historic landmark in Lagos, and ACF believes it will remain so. In the fullness of time, the market will roar back to life, and even more vibrant and prosperous”.