Festac market demolished

 

The Government has begun the demolition of the 23 Road Market known as Oyinlola Market, Festac Town in Amuwo-Odofin, Festaconline Media can report.

 

The demolition exercise, which is ongoing at the time of this report, has created pandemonium in the market, its environs and amongst residents

 

Festaconline Media had earlier reported the that the exercise would be carried out.

 

Early Saturday Morning 12th December 2020, officials invaded the market with bulldozers and many traders were thrown into confusion as they ran to pack their goods shortly after the demolition began.

 

The demolition started with the 402 axis of the market before proceeding to the main market area. Some boys and people in the area tried to stop the demolition exercise but it proved abortive as gunshots were fired into the air to scare people away.

 

A trader who identified himself as Jide told Festaconline Media that many of the traders were not able to salvage all goods from their shops.

 

“Some persons who owned stalls at some part where they began the demolition could not pack out their goods, ” he said. “But those at the back have packed some things as you can see.” Another trader, Joy Ibe, said the demolition was not fair considering how the year has been and people are trying to meet end meets especially this Christmas season. Mr Ishayi a trader in the market lamented that at least the people should have been moved first to a palliative befor carrying out the demolition saying that many would have their sources of livelihood blocked. The demolition was carried out allegedly on the instance of the Amuwo-Odofin LGA. Recall that we reported that the LGA Chairman had said the market would be demolished to be rebuilt within 3 Months.

 

As at time of this report, the Demolition excercise has stopped and the officials have told traders that they would be back to continue on Monday. Mrs Nzerebe bitterly cried out that they were not informed as no official or proper notice was given that she only heard rumours about the demolition. The officials at the scene however declined to speak to Festaconline Media. More Details coming shortly