The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed deep concern over the recurring pattern of fires and demolition exercises in major Lagos markets largely dominated by Igbo traders, describing the incidents as a serious threat to national unity and economic stability.
The latest fire outbreak at Alaba International Market, Ojo, on Tuesday night, destroyed several shops and warehouses, with goods worth billions of naira lost.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that its personnel were deployed to the scene to contain the blaze, but videos circulating online showed traders in anguish as flames consumed large sections of the market.
In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, described the Alaba fire as a tragic addition to the growing list of incidents undermining the economic base of a particular group of Nigerians in Lagos.
He said the association was demanding an independent investigation into the cause of the fire and the response time of emergency agencies, stressing that transparency and accountability were essential to restoring public confidence.
HURIWA noted that the tragedy occurred only weeks after the Lagos State Government began large-scale demolitions at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, despite public condemnation and calls for dialogue.
The group also cited similar exercises in Alaba Rago, Abule Ado, Ikota, and Lekki, which reportedly affected several businesses owned by Nigerians of southeastern origin.
It reaffirmed that Lagos is a city built by diverse peoples whose contributions have sustained its growth. The association called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to publicly reassure Lagosians that no section of the state would be subjected to discriminatory economic policies or selective enforcement of urban regulations. It also urged the government to review recent demolitions transparently and compensate traders whose properties were destroyed without due process.
HURIWA further appealed to the Federal Government, the National Human Rights Commission, and the National Assembly to monitor developments in Lagos and intervene where necessary to protect citizens’ rights and properties.
