Alaba Rago Market demolition: Northern broadcasters seek Tinubu’s intervention

The Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners Forum (ABMPF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and stop what it described as an “onslaught” against Northern traders following the demolition of Alaba Rago Market by the Lagos State Government. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Yelwa, the group condemned the demolition of […]

The Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners Forum (ABMPF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and stop what it described as an “onslaught” against Northern traders following the demolition of Alaba Rago Market by the Lagos State Government.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Yelwa, the group condemned the demolition of shops and places of worship at the market, warning that the action was unlawful and could provoke retaliatory reactions in the North.

According to ABMPF, accounts from affected traders revealed that the demolition was executed under the guise of modernization but without due process or notice.

The group stated that damages were estimated to be over N20 billion, leaving thousands of Northerners without a source of livelihood.

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“The Alaba Rago Market, spanning over 10 hectares, has been a hub for traders from all Northern states for over eight decades, predating Nigeria’s independence.

“The demolition of the market, including 40 mosques, is thus a heartless act that has left the community in shock and despair,” the forum said.

The group further said that while Yorubas live peacefully and are well integrated into Northern communities across Kaduna, Katsina, and other states, Northerners in Lagos are being treated as squatters despite decades of settlement and contribution to the state’s economy.

“It’s therefore an absurdity for the Lagos State Government to consider the Northern community in Alaba, who have lived in the area for over 80 years, as squatters who can be ejected at will,” the forum said.

ABMPF described the demolition as unconstitutional, labeling it an attempt to “Yorubanize Lagos” by ejecting Northerners and Easterners. It urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to reverse the decision, provide compensation, and offer relocation plans for displaced traders and worshippers.

The forum also called on political leaders, including Northern governors, lawmakers, and traditional rulers, to intervene and protect the rights of Northerners living in Lagos.