On Thursday, September 25, 2025, the Lagos State Government demolished no fewer than 19 buildings at the New Mandela Plaza within the Trade Fair Complex, Agege, under heavy security, sparking outrage from shop owners who claimed no prior notice was given, as reported by Vanguard and Punch. The operation, involving the Lagos State Task Force, Rapid Response Squad, and tactical teams, targeted alleged illegal structures, with trucks clearing rubble as stern officers dispersed protesters and restricted access (Web:0, Web:1). Traders, many with multi-million-naira investments, lamented the destruction of goods and livelihoods, estimating losses over ₦3 billion, with some vowing to rebuild despite the setback (Web:0, Web:2).
A visibly distressed plaza owner, Chief Magnus Ike of Magnus Merchandise, watched his property crumble, insisting he held federal approvals and decrying the lack of due process: “No notice from the state; we’ve complied with federal inspections since 2000” (Web:0). His brother, Magnus Ikenna, highlighted loan defaults and questioned rule changes, gesturing to the absence of a canal (Web:0). Traders like those from Modupeola Street speculated the action stemmed from proximity to drainage, but Gawat, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, defended it as necessary to remove unapproved developments blocking infrastructure and endangering lives (Web:0, Web:3). X posts from @LagosGov (September 25, 2025) justified the exercise, while @Naija_Activist reported 78% public concern over demolitions (Afrobarometer, 2025) (Post:3). The government ordered a halt to ongoing constructions, with a meeting scheduled for Tuesday (Web:0).
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