- Crisis at Trade Fair Complex as Gunmen Attack Enforcement Team
- Task Force Member Killed
- Three Reportedly Injured
Operations at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex have been partially suspended after a violent clash at the Balogun Business Association (BBA) market left one person dead and three others injured.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the incident, which happened on Sunday along the Badagry Expressway axis, forced management to shut down the affected section of the complex in an effort to restore calm and prevent further violence.
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According to reports, the crisis began when a task force set up by the management board moved in to enforce a directive stopping unauthorised construction within the complex. The enforcement team was reportedly met with resistance, as armed individuals allegedly attacked them and opened fire.
In the chaos, one member of the task force was shot and killed, while others sustained gunshot injuries. The wounded victims were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Sources within the complex said the dispute stemmed from traders allegedly building shops on unapproved spaces, in violation of existing rules, including restrictions on construction activities during weekends without proper clearance.
An eyewitness recounted that the task force members did not realise the attackers were armed until the situation escalated. According to the witness, the shooting happened suddenly, leaving one official dead on the spot.
Confirming the development, Executive Director of the management board, Mrs Veronica Ndanusa, said the BBA section would remain closed until those behind the attack are identified and brought to justice. She explained that the decision was necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
She also noted that the complex is a Federal Government facility under the supervision of the Ministry of Trade and Investment, stressing that all traders are expected to operate within approved regulations.
The Chairman of the Trade Fair Task Force, Alhaji Bakare, described the incident as a coordinated attack, alleging that the assailants came prepared with firearms and other weapons.
Similarly, the Chief Security Officer of the complex, Bawa Outa, revealed that several warnings had been issued to halt the illegal construction before the situation escalated into violence.
Following the incident, security operatives including officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the military were deployed to the area to restore order and secure the complex.
