More than 19 buildings were pulled down on Thursday at New Mandela Plaza in Lagos, as the state government conducted a large-scale demolition under heavy security.
The operation involved a convoy of trucks from the Lagos State Task Force, Rapid Response Squad, and tactical teams stationed around the plaza. Officers restricted access to the premises and prevented traders from recording the exercise.
Several structures had already been reduced to rubble, sparking outrage from shop owners who claimed they were not given prior notice.
One trader, who spoke reluctantly, said: “We don’t even know the reason for the demolition. That’s why you see people moving up and down, asking questions.”
Another speculated that the affected buildings might have been marked for being too close to a canal.
A visibly agitated plaza owner, arriving while his shop was being pulled down, screamed from his car that no notice was served before bulldozers moved in.
Sales representatives lamented that goods still locked inside the shops were destroyed alongside the buildings.
Traders stated that the demolished buildings, valued at over N150 million each, represented significant personal and business investments.
“If the government doesn’t want companies or development here, they should just come out and say it. People have invested their life savings here. Over 19 buildings are in that plaza,” one trader said angrily.
When contacted, the Task Force Chairman clarified that the operation did not originate from his office, explaining:
“Sometimes, security agencies in the state seek the backup of the Task Force to secure the environment. That does not mean they initiated the process. However, if such reports come to my table, I will let you know.”
As of press time, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official statement on the demolition.
