Operations at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex have been partially suspended following a violent clash that claimed one life and left three others injured.
The incident occurred on Sunday at the Balogun Business Association (BBA) Market along the Badagry Expressway, throwing the busy commercial hub into chaos and prompting immediate intervention from authorities.
According to reports, the confrontation began when a task force set up by the Trade Fair management moved to enforce a stop-work order on illegal construction activities within the complex.
Some traders were said to have encroached on unallocated spaces and commenced building shops without proper authorization, in violation of existing regulations.
However, the enforcement exercise quickly turned deadly when the task force members were allegedly attacked by armed individuals.
The assailants reportedly opened fire, killing one official on the spot and injuring three others.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the enforcement team had no prior knowledge that the suspects were armed, making the attack sudden and devastating.
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The injured victims were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
In response to the violence, the Executive Director of the Trade Fair Management Board, Mrs. Veronica Ndanusa, ordered the immediate closure of the affected BBA section to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
She stated that the market area would remain under strict security lockdown until those responsible for the attack are identified and brought to justice.
Describing the incident as a coordinated assault, the Chairman of the Trade Fair Task Force, Alhaji Bakare, alleged that the attackers came prepared with firearms and other dangerous weapons.
The Chief Security Officer of the complex, Bawa Outa, also confirmed that prior warnings had been issued to halt the illegal construction before the situation escalated.
Following the incident, security operatives including the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and military personnel were deployed to the scene to restore calm and secure the area.
Authorities have since intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators as investigations continue.
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