Lagos Shuts Oshodi Market Over Attack on Sanitation Officers

The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Oshodi Resettlement Market following an alleged attack on officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) during an enforcement exercise.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the development on Tuesday through a statement posted on his official X account.

According to Wahab, the market was shut down after traders allegedly obstructed government officials who were carrying out lawful duties within the area.

He explained that personnel of LAGESC, popularly known as KAI, had embarked on an operation aimed at removing hoodlums, street beggars and other individuals constituting environmental and security concerns around the market.

During the exercise, some traders reportedly resisted the operation and confronted the enforcement officers.

Wahab alleged that the traders attacked the sanitation officials and prevented them from arresting suspected hoodlums and beggars identified during the operation.

He further stated that the confrontation escalated into acts of vandalism, with operational vehicles belonging to the agency allegedly damaged by the suspects.

“The traders attacked officers and personnel of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps and prevented them from arresting hoodlums and beggars who vandalised the agency’s operational vehicles,” Wahab said.

The commissioner stressed that the state government would not tolerate attacks on public officers performing their lawful responsibilities.

He noted that the closure of the market was necessary to restore order, ensure public safety and allow authorities to assess the situation.

According to him, government agencies are committed to maintaining environmental standards, public sanitation and security across Lagos State.

Wahab warned that any individual or group found obstructing government officials or engaging in acts of violence against enforcement personnel would face appropriate sanctions under the law.

The closure of the market is expected to affect trading activities in the area pending further directives from the state government.

Authorities have not disclosed how long the market will remain closed but indicated that investigations into the incident are ongoing.

The state government reiterated its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and maintaining order in markets and public spaces across Lagos.

Residents and traders were urged to cooperate with government agencies and avoid actions capable of disrupting public peace or hindering lawful enforcement operations.