A deadly clash erupted at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex on Sunday. One person died and three others suffered gunshot wounds during the violent encounter.
The incident happened along the Badagry Expressway corridor at the Balogun Business Association market section. Management immediately sealed off the area to prevent further violence.
A task force deployed by the complex's management board had moved to stop illegal construction work. Armed attackers opened fire on the enforcement team without warning.
Traders had allegedly built shops on unallocated spaces, violating regulations that ban weekend construction without approval. An eyewitness said the enforcement officers didn't know the suspects carried weapons.
"One task force member was shot dead instantly," the witness recounted. "Others were wounded in the attack."
Hospital staff are treating the injured victims right now. Executive Director Veronica Ndanusa confirmed the killings and announced a closure order.
According to her, "I ordered the BBA section shut to stop further chaos after our staff member was killed." She stressed that police would maintain control of the area.
Ndanusa reminded traders that the complex operates under Federal Government supervision through the Ministry of Trade and Investment. Every operator must follow strict lease regulations, she noted.
Trade Fair Task Force Chairman Alhaji Bakare called it a coordinated assault. He said the gunmen came prepared with multiple weapons and firearms.
"They brought armed men who fired on us," Bakare told reporters. "One colleague is dead and others badly hurt."
Security Chief Bawa Outa revealed that earlier warnings had gone out to stop the illegal construction. Nobody heeded those notices before violence broke out.
Police operatives under Lagos State Commissioner Fatai Tijani rushed to the scene. NSCDC officers and military personnel also arrived to restore order.
They evacuated the wounded and secured the perimeter quickly. The complex's management vowed to keep the section closed until arrests happen.
No arrests have been made as of yet. Investigators are working to identify the attackers responsible for Sunday's bloodshed.
