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By John Ogunsemore
Amnesty International has condemned recent demolition of shops and shelters at popular Alaga Rago Market in Ojo local government area of Lagos State and demanded a comprehensive probe into the incident.
It was gathered that thousands of traders were displaced as a result of the demolition which began on Sunday, August 17, and continued until Wednesday, August 20.
The exercise marks the second demolition to hit the 45-year-old food, livestock, and scrap metal market.
In a Tuesday statement, Amnesty described the demolition as “brazen and shocking” and called on the Lagos State Government to set up a commission of enquiry to investigate the incident.
The global human rights body said, “The demolition was carried out unlawfully, without adequate consultation and without plans to offer alternative space for the victims.
“Carrying out the demolition only one month into the six months’ notice issued to the traders shows deliberate contempt for the rule of law and due process.
“The demolition has made hundreds of families homeless and destroyed the livelihood of thousands who have been trading in that space for decades.
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“The violent way the demolition was carried had also left some people with injuries and entire businesses destroyed.
“Those who tried to salvage what remains of their businesses were tear gassed.
“Hundreds of traders and residents of Alaba Rago watched in horror as their homes and possessions were destroyed.
“For the residents of these deprived communities, many of whom rely on petty trading to make a living, the Alaba Rago represents home, work and survival.”
Amnesty noted that international law prohibits forced eviction and deliberate destruction of property.
It said the traders at Alaba Rago have been subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment for which suspected perpetrators must be brought to justice as a matter of urgency.
“Lagos State authorities must immediately establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the shocking incident at Alaba Rago and provide adequate housing and compensation to all those who have lost their means of livelihood and homes,” Amnesty added.
