Traders from the Popular Agboju Plank and Building Materials Market called Plank Market, on Wednesday 16th June 2021, protested against the demolition of their business place at the Federal Housing Authority office in Festac Town, Amuwo-Odofin LGA, Lagos State.
This was after the demolition by the Lagos State Government Task Force on Sunday which demolished the popular Agboju Market and other ‘illegal’ buildings in the second avenue axis of the Estate.
Mr Afolabi Azeez, the secretary of the plank sellers association, said the market has been in existence for 27 years and a majority of the businesses were being run on loans.
“That place was swampy and we filled it with over 1,400 tippers of sand. Most of us rely on loans to run our business. We collect loans from banks and LAPO,” he said.
He further revealed that a notice was passed to the traders prior to the demolition and the traders responded to the notice, only for them to see their markets being demolished.
“We are seeking assistance. We want to remain there. Whatever they want us to pay, we are going to pay. We have been paying it before.”
Azeez stated that traders in the market pay all their dues and taxes, and as such, should be allowed to remain in the market.
“We have a right to that place. We seek help from the FHA so that they can help us retain that place,” he lamented
Source: Punch