Violence disrupted activities at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex on Sunday after a clash at the Balogun Business Association (BBA) market resulted in one death and three injuries.
The incident, which occurred along the Badagry Expressway, forced authorities to partially shut down operations within the complex. Management sealed off the affected section to contain the situation and prevent further unrest.
Reports indicate that the confrontation began when a task force set up by the management board attempted to enforce a ban on unauthorised construction within the premises. During the operation, the enforcement team was allegedly ambushed by armed individuals who opened fire.
A member of the task force was killed on the spot, while several others sustained gunshot wounds. The injured victims were quickly taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
An eyewitness revealed that the enforcement officers did not anticipate armed resistance before approaching the site. “One of them was shot dead instantly, while others were seriously wounded,” the source said.
Confirming the development, Executive Director of the management board, Mrs Veronica Ndanusa, announced the immediate closure of the affected section of the market. She stated that the area would remain under lockdown until those responsible for the attack are identified and brought to justice.
According to her, the Trade Fair Complex is a Federal Government facility supervised by the Ministry of Trade and Investment, with traders operating under structured lease agreements.
Chairman of the Trade Fair Task Force, Alhaji Bakare, described the incident as a planned attack, alleging that armed men were brought in to target the enforcement team.
“They opened fire on us. We lost one of our men, and others were badly injured,” he said.
The Chief Security Officer of the complex, Bawa Outa, noted that prior warnings had been issued against illegal construction before the situation escalated.
Security agencies, including the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and military personnel, were deployed to the scene to restore order and evacuate the victims.
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