Fatal Clash at Lagos Trade Fair Complex Leaves One Dead, Three Injured
Operations at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex were partially halted following a violent clash at the Balogun Business Association (BBA) market, which claimed one life and left three others injured.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday along the Badagry Expressway corridor, led the management of the complex to shut down the affected section in an effort to restore order and prevent further violence.
According to reports, the crisis began when a task force set up by the management board attempted to enforce a stop-work order on unauthorized construction within the complex. The enforcement team was allegedly attacked by armed individuals who opened fire on them.
A member of the task force was killed during the attack, while others sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Sources within the complex revealed that some traders had encroached on unapproved spaces and started building shops in violation of existing regulations, including restrictions on weekend construction without official clearance.
An eyewitness stated that the task force officials were unaware the attackers were armed before approaching the site.
Confirming the development, Executive Director of the management board, Mrs. Veronica Ndanusa, said the BBA section would remain closed until those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
She stressed that the complex is a Federal Government facility under the supervision of the Ministry of Trade and Investment, with all trading activities governed by strict lease agreements.
Chairman of the Trade Fair Task Force, Alhaji Bakare, described the incident as a coordinated attack, alleging that the assailants came prepared with firearms and other weapons.
Meanwhile, the Chief Security Officer of the complex, Bawa Outa, disclosed that prior warnings had been issued to halt the illegal construction before the situation escalated.
Security operatives, including the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and military personnel, have since been deployed to the area to restore calm and maintain order.
