By Bose
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Over 19 buildings were on Thursday pulled down at the New Mandela Plaza, within the popular Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, as the state government moved in with a heavy security presence to carry out a massive demolition exercise.
At the time of filing this report, selective buildings inside the plaza were already reduced to rubble, sparking outrage from shop owners who claimed they were not served prior notice.
A visibly agitated plaza owner, who arrived while his shop was being pulled down, screamed from his car that no notice was served before the bulldozers moved in. Some sales representatives lamented that their bosses’ goods, still locked up inside the shops, were destroyed alongside the buildings.
When contacted to clarify the role of the Task Force, its Chairman said the operation did not originate from his office. He explained: “Sometimes, security agencies in the state seek the backup of the Task Force to secure the environment. That does not mean they initiated the process. However, if such reports come to my table, I will let you know.”
As at press time, there was no official statement from the Lagos State Government on the demolition, but security operatives remained on ground to forestall any breakdown of law and order. Vanguard
