The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Oshodi Resettlement Market following a violent confrontation between traders and officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) during an enforcement operation in the area.
The enforcement exercise was reportedly aimed at restoring order in the market and tackling the activities of suspected hoodlums and beggars.
According to the state government, the operation turned violent when some traders allegedly resisted the arrest of the targeted individuals and confronted members of the enforcement team.
The situation subsequently escalated, with the traders said to have attacked KAI officials, forcing them to abandon the operation. Operational vehicles belonging to the agency were also reportedly vandalised during the incident.
Government Reacts
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the market’s closure in a statement accompanied by a video shared on social media.
Wahab said the decision was taken to restore normalcy, protect government assets and prevent a further breakdown of law and order within the market environment.
He condemned the attack on the enforcement officers and the destruction of public property, describing the actions as unacceptable.
“The state government will not tolerate attacks on officials carrying out lawful duties or the vandalism of public assets,” the commissioner said.
Commitment to Enforcement
Wahab reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining cleanliness, public safety and orderliness across Lagos through lawful enforcement operations.
He added that necessary measures would be implemented to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and protect public infrastructure.
The commissioner stressed that enforcement activities are conducted in the interest of public safety and environmental sanitation, warning that anyone found obstructing government officials in the discharge of their duties would face legal consequences.
The market is expected to remain closed pending further directives from the state government.
