By Laiatu Augustine Bamaiyi.
The Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners Forum (ABMPF) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government over the demolition of the historic Alaba Rago Market in Lagos, describing the exercise as a deliberate attempt to expel Northerners from the state.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Yelwa (Ajiyan Yauri), the forum condemned the Lagos State Government’s action, which it said left thousands of Arewa traders stranded and caused losses estimated at over ₦20 billion.
According to the forum, the demolition was carried out without due process or prior notice, leaving traders no opportunity to salvage their goods.
The group also confirmed that 40 mosques and prayer grounds were among the structures demolished.
“This is not only an economic assault but a cultural and religious provocation,” the statement said. “Northerners have traded in Alaba Rago for over 80 years, contributing immensely to Lagos’ growth, and should not be treated as squatters.”
The ABMPF accused Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of pursuing a policy aimed at displacing ethnic communities under the guise of modernization, warning that the move was capable of igniting regional retaliation.
It called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene immediately to protect the rights of Northerners, urging Lagos to provide adequate compensation and relocation for the victims.
The statement called on Northern political leaders, lawmakers, traditional and religious leaders to rise in defence of their people, while urging President Tinubu to ensure adequate compensation and relocation plans for the affected traders.
“This is an open provocation against Northerners and Easterners. The Federal Government must intervene to avert a crisis,” the forum warned.
