The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government had earlier closed the market to curb security challenges within Oshodi metropolis.
The demolition was directly supervised in the earlier hours of Wednesday by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.
Also on ground to supervise the demolition were the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Babatunde Adejare, officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KIA), police and some other top government officials.
NAN learnt that the affected traders and shop owners had been relocated to the new Isopakodowo Market at Bolade Area of Oshodi.
NAN also reports that the state government had said in a statement that it planned to transform the market into an ultra-modern bus terminus with new bus shelters befitting a structured park in a mega city.
The demolition was completed at about 7:45 a.m.
It was reported that shop owners who are largely Igbo people from the eastern part of the country had been issued with a notice from the state government asking them to leave. This was however denied by several shop owners.
A shop owner who spoke on the condition of anonymity said it was painful to look at the rubble that used to be his investment. Sniffing back tears, he said:
“I have been doing business in Oshodi for the past ten years and I invested all my money and time in investing in it. I just returned from the Christmas holiday when I was told my shop was being demolished. I had little time to pack my things. My life is ruined.”Another trader who spoke anonymously said it was shameful that they were not given enough time to evacuate. He claimed the matter was still ongoing and people were caught by surprise when bulldozers were brought in to clear the market.
The claim that goods and valuables were still in the shops before they were demolished seems true as members of the demolition team were seen putting aside appliances and gadgets while evacuation continued..
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