•Hoodlums
Traders at the busy FUTA Junction area of Akure, Ondo State, have accused suspected hoodlums of destroying shops and goods worth millions of naira during a controversial demolition linked to a long-running land dispute.
The demolition, which occurred today, left traders counting losses as bulldozers reportedly tore through containers and makeshift shops containing food items, beverages, household goods and other merchandise.
Eyewitnesses said about 20 hoodlums accompanied the demolition team, sparking panic among traders and residents in the area, reports The Guardian.
Several affected traders were seen in tears as they appealed to the government and well-meaning Nigerians for assistance.
One of the traders, Hellen Chidinma, stated that the occupants of the affected shops had previously received a three-month quit notice but were reassured by the landlord that there was no immediate cause for concern, as the property had not been sold.
According to her, the traders forwarded the notice to their lawyer while awaiting further developments.
She said another notice giving occupants 11 days to vacate the premises was later issued.
“After the 11 days expired, the man came yesterday and told us to move our things or he would bring bulldozers,” she said.
“We immediately contacted our lawyer and the owner of the land. They advised us to report the matter to the police, which we did.
“The man also reported at the station and later returned with policemen and bulldozers.”
Another trader, Seyi Jonathan, alleged that the ownership dispute over the land had persisted for about eight years.
According to him, the property was originally the subject of a dispute between a family and another buyer, leading to litigation before the parties eventually reconciled and sold the land to a new owner.
He said traders had continued to pay rent throughout the dispute and were shocked when demolition equipment arrived.
“We have been paying rent to them. Suddenly we just saw bulldozers this morning,” Jonathan said.
“Before we could finish packing our belongings, they started destroying goods worth millions of naira.”
The traders claimed that containers, provisions, foodstuffs, drinks, sachet water and other valuables were damaged during the exercise.
The incident has heightened concerns over the enforcement of eviction notices and the treatment of tenants and business owners caught in property disputes.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ondo State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident. Efforts to reach the police spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, for comment were unsuccessful.
The extent of the losses suffered by the traders could not be independently verified, while details of the ownership dispute and any court orders relating to the demolition remained unclear.
The affected traders are calling on the state government and relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the demolition and provide relief for those whose livelihoods were affected.
