Lagos shuts Oshodi market after traders allegedly attack sanitation officials
The Lagos State Government has shut down the Oshodi Resettlement Market after traders allegedly attacked officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI, during an enforcement operation in the area.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the closure in a post on X on Tuesday.
According to Mr Wahab, the incident occurred when KAI officials moved into the market to arrest suspected hoodlums and beggars.
“Oshodi Resettlement Market, Oshodi has been shut down,” the commissioner wrote.
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He alleged that traders obstructed the operation and attacked officers of the agency.
“Traders at the market attacked officers and personnel of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, prevented them from arresting hoodlums and beggars who vandalised the agency’s operational vehicles during an enforcement operation earlier today,” he stated.
Mr Wahab did not say whether any arrests were made following the incident or whether any officials sustained injuries. He also did not indicate how long the market would remain closed.
The Oshodi Resettlement Market is one of the busiest trading centres in Lagos, serving thousands of traders and commuters daily in the commercial district.
Tuesday’s closure is the latest in a series of enforcement actions by the Lagos State Government as it intensifies efforts to tackle environmental violations, street trading and other activities it considers detrimental to public order.
In recent months, the state government has sealed several markets and business premises over alleged environmental infractions. Earlier this year, authorities shut the Ladipo Spare Parts Market in Mushin, citing environmental concerns, while the Itedo Market in Lekki was also closed in 2025 over similar allegations.
The latest development is also likely to revive discussions about government regulation of commercial activities in Oshodi, a district that has undergone extensive redevelopment over the past decade.
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The sanitation officers have repeatedly defended enforcement operations in the area as necessary to improve sanitation, security and traffic management.
As of Tuesday evening, the Lagos State Government had not released further details on the damage allegedly caused to KAI vehicles or possible sanctions against those involved in the confrontation.
Officials of the market were yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
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