By Tolulope Zachariah
In a surprise move, the Lagos State Environmental Task Force descended on roadside sellers in Victoria Island, Lagos State, destroying their wares and stalls.
The incident occurred on Solomon Street, beside Silver Bird Television, in the heart of Victoria Island, a bustling commercial area in Lagos.
According to eyewitnesses, the task force arrived at the scene around 12 pm, armed with guns and other heavy machinery. They claimed to have received information that a woman selling alcoholic drinks was selling cannabis disguised as an alcoholic drink seller. The Task Force used the opportunity to demolish the stalls and destroy the goods of all the roadside sellers in the area.
The sellers, who were caught off guard, were seen scrambling to salvage their wares as the task force went about their work. Many of them were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs as their stalls and goods were destroyed.
“I was just trying to make a living, selling my biscuits and drinks to people passing by,” said one of the sellers, who identified himself as Malam Abubakar. “I didn’t do anything wrong, but they just came and destroyed everything I had.”
Another seller, who was selling indomie and other snacks, was in tears as she watched her stall being demolished. “I have been selling here for years, and I have never had any problem with anyone,” she said. “I don’t know why they did this to me today.”
The task force’s actions have been met with widespread condemnation from the public, with many calling for the government to provide alternative means of livelihood for the affected sellers.
“This is not the way to solve the problem of street trading,” said a passerby, who identified himself as Mr. Johnson. “The government should provide a designated market for these people to sell their wares, rather than destroying their livelihoods.”
The Lagos State Government has yet to comment on the incident, but it is expected to issue a statement soon.
In the meantime, the affected sellers are left to pick up the pieces and try to rebuild their lives.
“I don’t know what I will do now,” said Malam Abubakar. “I have no money, no goods, and no way to make a living. I am just hoping that the government will come to our aid and provide us with some assistance.”
