“Tears and Rubble: Lagos Demolishes Alaba Rago Market, Thousands Left Homeless — Amnesty International Blows Alarm”

Lagos, Aug. 26, 2025 — Amnesty International has slammed the Lagos State government over the sudden demolition of Alaba Rago Market, describing the action as “callous” and a direct assault on human rights, after thousands of traders and families were left stranded.

According to Amnesty, bulldozers rolled into Alaba Rago only one month into a six-month eviction notice, tearing down shops, shelters, and possessions without consultation or relocation plans.

“This reckless action shows deliberate contempt for due process,” Amnesty stated.

Witnesses reported scenes of chaos as residents attempted to save what was left of their belongings, only to be dispersed with tear gas. The demolition left Hundreds of families homeless, Thousands of traders without businesses, and several people injured during the operation.

For residents who have traded at Alaba Rago for decades, the market was not just an economic lifeline, but also their home and survival.

The rights group noted that forced evictions and deliberate destruction of property are banned under international law, branding the treatment of the traders as “inhuman and degrading.”

Amnesty is now urging Lagos authorities to launch an independent inquiry into the demolition, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide housing and compensation for all victims