Lagos shuts Oshodi market after traders allegedly attack sanitation officials

The Lagos State Government has ordered the closure of Oshodi Resettlement Market after traders allegedly attacked officials from the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), known as KAI, during an enforcement operation. The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the closure via X on Tuesday.

According to Wahab, the incident occurred when KAI officials entered the market to apprehend suspected hoodlums and beggars. He alleged that traders obstructed the operation, attacked the officers, and prevented the arrests. The traders also reportedly vandalized the agency's operational vehicles.

Details regarding arrests made or injuries sustained by officials were not immediately available. The duration of the market's closure also remains unspecified. Oshodi Resettlement Market is a major commercial hub in Lagos, serving thousands of traders and commuters daily.

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Oshodi Resettlement Market, Oshodi has been shut down.

This closure is part of the Lagos State Government's broader campaign to address environmental violations, street trading, and other activities deemed detrimental to public order. In recent months, the state has sealed several markets and business premises for alleged environmental infractions, including the Ladipo Spare Parts Market and Itedo Market.

The incident is expected to reignite discussions about the regulation of commercial activities in Oshodi, an area that has undergone significant redevelopment over the past decade. Sanitation officers have consistently defended their enforcement operations as necessary for improving sanitation, security, and traffic management in the area. As of Tuesday evening, the Lagos State Government had not released further details on vehicle damage or potential sanctions.

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Traders at the market attacked officers and personnel of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, prevented them from arresting hoodlums and beggars who vandalised the agency’s operational vehicles during an enforcement operation earlier today.