Northern group criticises Lagos over Alaba Rago Market demolition

The Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners Forum has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what it described as an “onslaught” against northerners in Lagos, following the demolition of the popular Alaba Rago Market by the Lagos State Government.

In a statement on Sunday by its chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Yelwa,  the forum condemned the demolition of shops, mosques, and other properties at the market, which for decades has served as a major trading hub for northern businessmen in Lagos.

The group alleged that the exercise was carried out without proper notice, denying traders the chance to salvage their goods.

 It claimed that over N20bn worth of property was lost to the demolition, describing the action as “inhuman” and “a clear manifestation” of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s alleged attempt to eject certain ethnic groups from the state.

This is not only unlawful but capable of sparking retaliatory attacks in the North,” the statement warned, calling for urgent Federal Government intervention to prevent tension between northern and southern communities.

The ABMPF reminded the Lagos State Government that Yoruba communities have long lived and thrived peacefully across northern Nigeria without being treated as outsiders. It stressed that northern traders at Alaba Rago, many of whom have operated in the area for more than 80 years, deserve equal respect and protection.

“Alaba Rago Market, spanning over 10 hectares, has been a hub for northern traders for over eight decades, predating Nigeria’s independence,” the forum stated. “Its demolition, including 40 mosques, is a heartless act that has left the community in shock and despair

The group further cautioned that Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic capital and a city of diverse cultures, must not be turned into an exclusive domain for any ethnic group.

It urged northern political leaders, lawmakers, and traditional rulers to intervene and press the Lagos State Government to reverse its decision, provide adequate compensation, and make relocation arrangements for affected traders and worshippers.

“The reverse seems to be the case in Lagos, and this must stop. The rights of northerners must be protected,” the forum said