A section of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex has been temporarily shut down after a violent confrontation resulted in the death of one individual and left three others injured at the Balogun Business Association (BBA) market. The incident unfolded on Sunday along the Badagry Expressway corridor, prompting authorities to immediately seal off the affected area. This action was taken to prevent further escalation and restore calm within the busy commercial environment. What Led to the Clash Reports indicate that a task force established by the management board was carrying out enforcement of a stop-work directive targeting unauthorized construction activities within the complex. During the operation, the officials were allegedly attacked by armed individuals. The attackers reportedly opened fire on the task force members, leading to the immediate death of one officer while others sustained serious injuries. The enforcement action was aimed at halting illegal developments allegedly carried out by individuals linked to the BBA, who were said to have occupied unassigned sections of the complex and begun erecting structures without proper approval. Construction activities within the complex are regulated, with strict restrictions—particularly on weekends—unless prior authorization is granted. Eyewitness Account According to a witness present at the scene, the task force team was unaware that the individuals at the site were armed. Upon arrival, they were met with unexpected gunfire. “One of the officers died on the spot after being shot, while others suffered gunshot wounds,” the eyewitness explained. The injured victims were quickly transported to a nearby medical facility, where they are currently receiving treatment. Official Response and Security Measures The Executive Director of the management board, Veronica Ndanusa, confirmed that the BBA section would remain closed until those responsible for the attack are identified and apprehended. She emphasized that the shutdown was necessary to maintain order and prevent further violence. “The closure is to avoid a breakdown of law and order following the killing of a task force member during official duty. The area will remain secured until justice is served,” she stated. Ndanusa further clarified that the trade fair complex is federally owned and operates under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. Traders within the premises function based on lease agreements, making compliance with regulations mandatory. Nature of the Attack Chairman of the Trade Fair Task Force, Alhaji Bakare, described the assault as deliberate and organized. He alleged that the attackers arrived equipped with firearms and other weapons. “They came prepared and opened fire on our team. We lost one member, and others were badly injured,” he said. The Chief Security Officer, Bawa Outa, also confirmed that warnings had previously been issued to halt the unauthorized construction before the situation escalated into violence. Deployment of Security Forces Following the incident, security personnel—including officers under the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani—were deployed to the scene. Additional support from civil defence and military units helped restore order and evacuate victims. Ongoing Security Concerns This development adds to ongoing concerns regarding safety at the complex. It follows a previous security scare involving officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control during an enforcement exercise last year. Investigation Continues Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident and assured the public that those responsible will be tracked down and prosecuted according to the law.
