Lagos govt demolishes over 19 buildings at new Mandela plaza

The Lagos State Government on Thursday launched a major demolition exercise at New Mandela Plaza, pulling down more than 19 buildings in the area.

The operation, which was heavily guarded by security operatives, saw a convoy of trucks from the Lagos State Task Force, Rapid Response Squad, and other tactical units cordon off the plaza and restrict access. Traders and onlookers were also barred from taking photos or recording the exercise.

By mid-afternoon, several structures had already been flattened, leaving piles of rubble where shops once stood. The move sparked anger and frustration among traders, many of whom alleged that they were not given prior notice before the demolition began.

One trader, who spoke reluctantly, said: “We don’t even know the reason for the demolition. That’s why you see people moving up and down, asking questions.”

Another speculated that the affected buildings might have been marked for being too close to a canal.

A visibly agitated plaza owner, arriving while his shop was being pulled down, screamed from his car that no notice was served before bulldozers moved in.

Sales representatives lamented that goods still locked inside the shops were destroyed alongside the buildings.

Traders stated that the demolished buildings, valued at over N150 million each, represented significant personal and business investments.

“If the government doesn’t want companies or development here, they should just come out and say it. People have invested their life savings here. Over 19 buildings are in that plaza,” one trader said angrily.

When contacted, the Task Force Chairman clarified that the operation did not originate from his office, explaining:

“Sometimes, security agencies in the state seek the backup of the Task Force to secure the environment. That does not mean they initiated the process. However, if such reports come to my table, I will let you know.”

As of press time, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official statement on the demolition.