Lagos government closes Oshodi resettlement market following clash with sanitation officers

Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of the Oshodi Resettlement Market following a violent clash between traders and officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps during an enforcement operation in the area.

The enforcement exercise, aimed at restoring order and curbing the activities of suspected hoodlums and beggars within the market environment, reportedly turned chaotic after traders resisted the arrest of individuals targeted in the operation.

According to reports, the confrontation escalated when some traders attempted to obstruct the exercise, leading to a breakdown of law and order and forcing enforcement officers to withdraw from the scene.

During the unrest, operational vehicles belonging to the sanitation corps were also vandalised by aggrieved traders.

Authorities said the closure of the market became necessary to prevent further escalation, restore calm, and protect public infrastructure following the disturbance.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the immediate shutdown of the market in a video message shared on social media on Tuesday.

Wahab explained that the decision was taken to restore normalcy, safeguard government assets, and prevent a further breakdown of law and order in the area.

He condemned the attack on government officials and the destruction of public property, stressing that such conduct would not be tolerated by the state government.

The commissioner reiterated the administration’s commitment to maintaining cleanliness, safety, and orderliness across Lagos through sustained but lawful enforcement operations.

He added that appropriate measures would be taken to ensure strict compliance with environmental regulations and to protect public infrastructure across the state.

The government maintained that all enforcement activities are carried out in the public interest, warning that anyone who obstructs officials in the discharge of their duties will face the full weight of the law.