The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has voiced concern over the recent demolition of Alaba Rago Market in Lagos, describing the move as a major blow to livelihoods and economic activity in the area.
In a statement released on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, the northern socio-cultural body said the development was received with “deep concern,” noting that the market has long served as one of the country’s most prominent livestock trading centres.
According to the forum, the demolition has displaced thousands of traders, destroyed properties, and disrupted businesses that have thrived there for decades. While it acknowledged that no lives were lost, the ACF lamented the hardship the action has imposed on many families.
The group sympathised with those affected and expressed confidence that their resilience would see them through the setback. It further disclosed that it is compiling detailed information on the demolition to better understand its scope and circumstances, a step it said would guide future discussions with both the Lagos State government and the affected community.
The ACF appealed to both federal and state authorities to provide relief measures and adequate support for those whose businesses were destroyed. At the same time, it urged traders and sympathisers to remain peaceful and law-abiding as efforts to find a lasting resolution continue.
Describing Alaba Rago as a “historic landmark in Lagos,” the forum expressed optimism that the market would recover and eventually emerge stronger.
The demolition, which reportedly covered a substantial portion of the market, has already sparked outrage among traders and civil society organisations, with growing calls for transparency and accountability from the government over the exercise.
