The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex has been partially shut down following a violent confrontation at the Balogun Business Association market that left one person dead and three others injured.
The incident occurred on Sunday along the Badagry Expressway axis of Lagos, prompting the management board to seal off the affected section of the complex in order to prevent further deterioration of security.
Reports indicate that members of a task force established by the management board were enforcing a stop-work directive on illegal construction when they were attacked by armed men.
The attackers allegedly opened fire on the officials, killing one task force member and injuring several others.
Sources said some individuals allegedly connected to the association had encroached on a portion of the complex not allocated to them and began erecting structures in violation of regulations, which prohibit construction activities, especially on weekends, without approval.
An eyewitness account revealed that the task force team, unaware that the suspects were armed, was met with gunfire shortly after arriving at the location.
“One of the task force members was shot dead instantly, while others sustained gunshot wounds,” the witness said.
The injured victims were immediately taken to a hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Confirming the incident, the Executive Director of the management board, Mrs Veronica Ndanusa, stated that the BBA section would remain closed until those responsible are identified.
“I ordered the closure of the BBA section to prevent further breakdown of law and order after a task force member was killed on duty,” she said. “The plaza will remain under police lock and key until the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Ndanusa further emphasized that the Trade Fair Complex belongs to the Federal Government and is administered under the Ministry of Trade and Investment, with traders operating under lease arrangements.
The Chairman of the Trade Fair Task Force, Alhaji Bakare, described the attack as premeditated, alleging that the assailants came prepared with firearms and other weapons.
“They brought in armed men who opened fire on us. One of my team members was killed, and others were seriously injured,” he said.
The Chief Security Officer of the complex, Bawa Outa, also confirmed that prior warnings had been issued to stop the illegal construction before the situation escalated into violence.
Security operatives, including police officers led by Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, alongside personnel from the civil defence and military, were deployed to restore calm and evacuate the victims.
The development adds to ongoing security concerns at the complex, following a similar shooting scare last year during an enforcement operation involving officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with assurances that those behind the attack will be arrested and prosecuted.
