Traders wail as Lagos demolishes 60 shops at Ikotun market

Some shop owners at the Ikotun market have lamented the demolition of their shops by the Lagos State Government.

60 parts of the market were demolished in order to reconstruct the roundabout and expand the road for easy vehicular movement.

Mrs Folashade Aje, who sells condiments, told NAN that the notice was given late in 2019 but they assumed the demolition would come much later in the year.

“We were duly informed but we never knew it would be this early. You know it’s just the beginning of the year, there are so many expenses. Now, I don’t even have where to trade, it’s painful,” she said.

Chibuzor James, a dealer in second-hand appliances, told NAN that he wished the demolition had happened last year or later this year.

“I knew it will happen. If it was last year, by now one would have gotten used to the changes, but the year is still new and we have this to deal with alongside other personal issues.

“I know it’s for the best but it’s painful. We can’t challenge the government, we just pray that we are compensated,’’ he said.

The Chairman Igando-Ikotun Local Government Council Development Area, Mrs Morenike Williams, said measures would be taken to compensate shop owners.

She urged all affected property owners to take any proof of ownership to the office of the Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

William added that affected owners without any proof of ownership should take photographs of their property and bring it to his office for verification.

She said the motive behind the initiative was to ease the traffic situation around the market.

“I just want to implore our people to cooperate with the contractors and in the end, we will all benefit from the actualisation of the project.”

According to the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako, the project will be completed within four months from the date of commencement.