By Nkechi Eze
The Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners Forum (ABMPF) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately halt what it described as an “onslaught” against Northerners in Lagos State, following the demolition of Alaba Rago Market by the Lagos State Government.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi I. Yelwa (AJIYAN YAURI), the forum condemned the demolition exercise, describing it as “systematic, unlawful and inhumane,” while warning that the action could trigger retaliatory reactions in the North.
According to Yelwa, accounts from victims reveal that the demolition was carried out without due process or prior notice, denying traders the opportunity to salvage their goods and property. He alleged that damages from the demolition run into over N20 billion, leaving thousands of Northern traders and their families without a source of livelihood.
“The demolition of shops and places of worship at the Alaba Rago Market by the Lagos State Government is a calculated attempt to dispossess Northerners of their legitimate businesses and properties,” the statement read. “This inhumane action is a clear manifestation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s desire to drive away members of certain ethnic groups from Lagos State.”
The forum noted that the Alaba Rago Market, which covers over 10 hectares, has served as a commercial hub for traders from across Northern Nigeria for more than 80 years, predating the nation’s independence. Yelwa further disclosed that the demolition affected no fewer than 40 mosques, a development which he said has left the community in shock and despair.
The statement also drew comparisons between the treatment of Northerners in Lagos and that of Yorubas in the North, stressing that while Yoruba communities live peacefully across Northern states such as Kaduna, Katsina, and Kano, where they own businesses and properties without hindrance, the Lagos State Government has labeled the Northern community in Alaba, who have lived there for generations, as squatters.
“It is absurd and unconstitutional for the Lagos State Government to regard Northerners in Alaba Rago as squatters, despite their presence in the area for over eight decades,” Yelwa said. “Lagos has always been Nigeria’s economic capital and former national capital. The attempt to Yorubanize Lagos by ejecting Northerners and Easterners is anachronistic and will be resisted.”
The ABMPF described the demolition as an open provocation, insisting that it threatens national unity and peaceful coexistence. The forum demanded that Governor Sanwo-Olu immediately reverse the decision, provide adequate compensation, and ensure relocation plans for the affected traders and worshippers.
It further called on Northern political leaders, including governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, to urgently intervene and safeguard the rights of Northerners in Lagos.
“The North has always welcomed and accommodated Southerners, especially Yorubas, who have lived and prospered in our communities without molestation. We expect the same respect and treatment for Northerners in Lagos,” Yelwa declared.
