Traders and residents of the demolished Alaba Rago Market in Ojo Local Council, Lagos State, yesterday gathered in clusters to count their losses, accusing the state government of insensitivity and neglect of their livelihoods.

They described the demolition of the market as “callous,” noting that although they had been issued a six-month quit notice, the government proceeded with the demolition less than a month later.

When The Guardian visited the site, demolition was still ongoing, with some residents resorting to makeshift shelters.

Alhaji Mohammed Danbanga stated that they were not given sufficient time to prepare. “The demolition is sudden and cowardly, it’s terrible that this action was taken less than a month after they issued a six months notice to vacate the area. I leave everything to God,” he said, lamenting that many residents were now homeless and sleeping in the open without communication from the government.

A trader, Temitope Dairo, said: “This is where I live and work to raise my children. We have been robbed and harassed several times after we were rendered homeless. This came suddenly and it has been hard to cope. I have been sleeping in the open field, so I need support to get an apartment.”

Another trader, Abubakar Ahmed, added: “I have been in this market for four years and earn a living from selling clothes but I have been rendered homeless by the government. We need help.”

Similarly, Usman Ali said: “Many lose all they have in the market and people die in the process while others are left with injuries. I am left with nothing, I don’t have N5 to my name. They destroyed everything, including our mosques. We pleaded with the enforcer to allow us to get our things out but they responded with tear gas.”

He further alleged discrimination, saying: “They can’t do this to us if our brother (a Hausa man) is the President, so they are only getting back at us. They have been using the northerners but the time is coming to speak and act.”

However, not all residents opposed the demolition. Obinna Ibezim said, “The demolition is in order because a lot of vices and despicable acts are happening here. Drug activities and bullying of innocent persons have been the order of the day. This is a good move and the government acted right. I hope the market will be rebuilt and it will be more secure.”

Efforts to reach the spokesperson for the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Mr Olumuyiwa Adu, for comment were unsuccessful.