“JUST IN: Lagos Govt Don Tear Down Buildings for New Mandela Plaza for Lagos”

More than 19 buildings wey dem pull down last Thursday for New Mandela Plaza for Lagos as state government carry out big demolition under heavy security. The operation involve convoy of trucks from Lagos State Task Force, Rapid Response Squad, plus tactical teams wey station all around the plaza. Officers block access to the place and no allow traders to record wetin dey happen. Some buildings don already turn to rubble, and this one make shop owners vex because dem talk say dem no give them any warning before. One trader wey no too want talk say, “We no even sabi why dem dey demolish. Na why you go see people dey waka up and down dey ask questions.” Another one believe say the buildings fit dey too near canal, that’s why dem mark am.  Sales people complain say goods wey still dey inside shops don destroy as buildings dey pull down.

Traders talk say the buildings dem demolish, wey worth more than N150 million each, na big personal and business investment. One trader wey angry talk say, “If government no want companies or development for here, make dem come out talk am. People don put all their life savings for here. Over 19 buildings dey that plaza.” When we call Task Force Chairman, e talk say the demolition no start from their office: “Sometimes, security agencies for state fit call Task Force make we help secure environment. That no mean say we start the demolition. But if report reach my table, I go let una sabi.” Till press time, Lagos State Government never give official statement about the demolition.