Traders Lament Overnight Demolition Of Mowe-Ofada Market
Traders at the Mowe-Ofada Market in Ogun State have appealed to the state government for urgent intervention after bulldozers demolished sections of the market overnight, leaving hundreds of business owners counting heavy losses.
The affected traders said the demolition destroyed shops, goods and other valuables worth millions of naira, disrupting their businesses and threatening their means of livelihood.
The exercise, carried out in the early hours of Saturday, sparked outrage among traders who claimed they were not given adequate notice before the structures were pulled down.
Several of the affected traders alleged that they lost goods, cash and business equipment during the demolition, with some estimating their combined losses at more than ₦500 million.
The traders appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene by halting further demolition and providing relief for those whose businesses were affected.
Some of the victims said the market had served as their only source of income for many years, warning that the exercise has pushed many families into financial hardship.
They also called on the Ogun State Government to provide an alternative trading location if the demolition is part of a redevelopment project.
Community leaders expressed concern over the development and urged the government to engage with traders to find a peaceful solution that protects both public interest and the livelihoods of residents.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ogun State Government had yet to issue a detailed official statement explaining the demolition, while affected traders continued to demand compensation and immediate intervention.