Tragedy As Woman Dies After Losing N50m In Lagos Market Demolition

In a sad development, a 68-year-old woman, identified as Alhaja Iyabo is reported to have died after she lost over N50 million cash in the ongoing demolition of shanties in the Alaba Rago market area of Ojo by the Lagos State Government.

Daily Trust reports that the deceased who is said to be a dealer in rice and beans reportedly developed a heart problem after discovering that her weekend earnings, kept in a safe in her shop, had vanished during the Sunday morning demolition.

Recall that the state’s task force on May 15 issued a removal notice to squatters and occupants of illegal structures in Alaba Rago, directing them to vacate immediately.

Market leaders, speaking to pressmen, estimated that the losses incurred by traders could reach N50 billion.

They said bags of rice, beans and livestock were among the items lost during the demolition. Many traders, including Alhaja Iyabo, had stored their weekend sales in safes within the market, planning to deposit the money in the bank on Monday.

Mallam Ibrahim Hamad Namari, head of the cow dealers in Alaba Rago market, said they received no prior notice of the demolition scheduled for Sunday morning.

CSP Shola Jejeloye, who led the state task force, said the removal notice followed an earlier one issued on May 19, 2022.

Mallam Namari said the state task force had only given a removal notice to a section of the market without specifying a start date for the demolition.

“After Saturday’s sale, we kept our money in safes in our shops, intending to take it to the bank on Monday. We woke up on Sunday morning to hear about the demolition.

“By the time we reached the market, everything was gone. It was the shock of losing her money that led to Alhaja Iyabo’s death,” Namari said

Nushubau Ahmad, secretary of the yam dealers, estimated the total losses to be as high as N50 billion.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG