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By Lukman Olabiyi
Traders at the Owode Motor and Motor Spare Parts International Market in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State have decried the alleged failure of the authorities to prosecute a suspected land grabber accused of demolishing parts of the market.
The traders described the demolition as illegal, claiming it triggered chaos in the area and led to the deaths of six traders on August 27, 2025.
They further alleged that police officers deployed to the scene during the operation were responsible for the killings.
It would be recalled that more than 500 shops were reportedly pulled down last year when the alleged land grabber, whose name was withheld, stormed the market with suspected thugs, allegedly aided by security personnel, to intimidate and evict traders.
Speaking during a press conference held at the market on Wednesday, the traders expressed frustration over what they called the government’s silence on the incident.
They noted that despite widespread public outcry, protests, and petitions submitted to the Lagos State Government and the state House of Assembly, no decisive action has been taken against those allegedly responsible.
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Mr Abdulazeez Morohunmubo, a member of the Market Working Committee who spoke on behalf of the traders, commended the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, for visiting the market and assuring them that justice would be served.
However, the traders disagreed with the commissioner’s position that the demolition was carried out solely by the land grabber without the involvement of the Lagos State Government.
They alleged that the machinery and personnel used for the exercise belonged to the state government.
According to the traders, the lack of response from both the state government and the House of Assembly has deepened their concerns.
“The government has acted as though nothing happened, while the culprit continues to walk free without prosecution,” some of the affected traders said.
The traders are now calling on both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government to launch a thorough investigation into the incident, ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, and safeguard legitimate business owners from unlawful evictions.
