Operations at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex have been partially suspended following a violent confrontation at the Balogun Business Association (BBA) market that left one person dead and three others injured. The incident occurred on Sunday along the Badagry Expressway corridor, prompting immediate action from the complex’s management to seal off the affected area and prevent further unrest. The violence erupted when a task force, established by the management board, moved to enforce a stop-work directive on unauthorized construction activities within the complex. The enforcement team was attacked by armed individuals who opened fire on them, resulting in the death of one task force member and injuries to others.
Eyewitnesses reported that the task force was unaware the suspects were armed before approaching the site. “One of the task force members was shot dead instantly, while others were wounded,” an eyewitness stated. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Sources within the complex revealed that some traders had encroached on unallocated land and begun constructing shops in violation of regulations, including a ban on weekend construction without prior approval.
Mrs. Veronica Ndanusa, Executive Director of the management board, confirmed the closure of the BBA section. “I ordered the closure to prevent further breakdown of law and order after a task force member was killed on duty,” she said. She added that the plaza would remain under police lock and key until those responsible for the attack are apprehended and brought to justice. Ndanusa emphasized that the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex is a Federal Government facility supervised by the Ministry of Trade and Investment, and all traders operate under regulated lease agreements.
Alhaji Bakare, Chairman of the Trade Fair Task Force, described the attack as coordinated, stating that the assailants were armed with firearms and other weapons. “They brought in armed men who opened fire on us. One of my team members was killed, and others were seriously injured,” he said. The Chief Security Officer of the complex, Bawa Outa, noted that prior warnings had been issued to halt the illegal construction before the situation escalated.
Security personnel, including police operatives under Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani, officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and military personnel, were deployed to the scene to restore calm and evacuate casualties. The incident has raised concerns about security and regulation enforcement within commercial hubs in Lagos. The government is expected to intensify efforts to address illegal activities and ensure the safety of officials and traders alike.
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