Operations at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex have been partially suspended following a violent confrontation at the Balogun Business Association, BBA, market that resulted in one fatality and left three others injured.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday along the Badagry Expressway corridor, prompting the complex’s management to seal off the affected section in a bid to restore order and prevent further escalation.
Reports indicate that the clash began when a task force set up by the management board moved to enforce a stop-work directive on unauthorised construction within the complex. The enforcement team was reportedly attacked by armed individuals who opened fire on the officials.
One member of the task force was killed during the attack, while others sustained gunshot injuries.
Sources within the complex alleged that some traders had encroached on unallocated space and commenced the construction of shops in violation of established regulations, including restrictions on weekend building activities without prior approval.
An eyewitness said the enforcement team was unaware that the suspects were armed before approaching the site.
“One of the task force members was shot dead instantly, while others were wounded,” the witness said.
The injured victims were taken to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Confirming the development, the Executive Director of the management board, Mrs Veronica Ndanusa, said the BBA section would remain shut until those responsible for the attack are identified and brought to justice.
“I ordered the closure of the BBA section to prevent further breakdown of law and order after a task force member was killed on duty,” she stated.
“The plaza will remain under police lock and key until the perpetrators are apprehended.”
Ndanusa emphasised that the complex is a Federal Government facility supervised by the Ministry of Trade and Investment, adding that all traders operate under regulated lease arrangements.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Trade Fair Task Force, Alhaji Bakare, described the incident as a coordinated attack, alleging that the assailants were armed with firearms and other weapons.
“They brought in armed men who opened fire on us. One of my team members was killed, and others were seriously injured,” he said.
The Chief Security Officer of the complex, Bawa Outa, noted that prior warnings had been issued to halt the illegal construction activities before the situation escalated.
Security personnel, including police operatives under the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, as well as officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and the military, were deployed to the scene to restore calm and evacuate casualties.
