Weeping, sorrow, disappointment and regrets filled the atmosphere in Festac Town, Lagos, on Sunday, as a Lagos State task force demolished the popular Agboju Market, shanties and other illegal buildings on the town’s Buffer Zone.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that traders, mechanics and other artisans operating on the zone counted their losses as bulldozers turned their goods, shops and workshops into rubbles.
NAN gathered that the task force was working for the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
Both the leader of the task force and a representative of FHA refused to comment on the development.
They told NAN that they did not have the authority to speak on the matter.
More than 100 shops, shanties and other buildings were pulled down by the task force.
While some traders and artisans hurriedly moved out some of their wares and tools, many of them could not.
Some churches operating at the place were seen moving their property, removing the roofs and gates away in case of demolition.
As at the time of this report, however, no church building was pulled down.
NAN gathered that FHA gave the affected occupants a notice of the demotion a week ago.
Many traders and artisans were seen moody and crying. They told NAN that they were fed up with challenges.
Isaac Kadiri, Vice President, Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, described the demotion as a disaster.
