Arewa Community Reacts To Eviction of Northerners From Lagos Abattoir-Trailer Park
By Femi Ogundele
The Arewa Community, All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State Chapter, has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene over the alleged forceful eviction of its members at Abattoir-Trailer Park, Agege, by the Lagos State Task Force.
The Vice Chairman of Lagos Central Arewa Community-APC, Alhaji Jida Sayid, made the appeal while addressing journalists in Lagos on Sunday.
According to Sayid, officials of the Lagos State Task Force and the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPARK) invaded the premises occupied by the Arewa Community on Saturday.
He stated that the Task Force stormed the location around 6:00 a.m., destroying properties worth millions of naira.
He alleged that the eviction was carried out without prior notice or official notification.
Sayid emphasized that the affected business owner, Alhaji Saadu Dandare, who also serves as the community’s chairman, was not an illegal occupant, as he had a valid contract with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture.
He described the eviction as unfair and inhumane, stressing that the Arewa Community in Lagos consists of peaceful and law-abiding citizens who should not be subjected to such treatment.
He also condemned the timing of the incident, which took place on the first day of Ramadan.
“We are disappointed by the Lagos State Task Force’s unlawful invasion, carried out in conjunction with LASPARK officials, on Saturday around 6:00 a.m.,” he said.
He urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to investigate the incident and ensure that justice is served, adding that the community had always supported his administration.
Sayid also called for a peaceful resolution, stating that the affected individuals should be compensated and allowed to continue their businesses without harassment.
As of press time, the Lagos State government are yet to respond to the allegations.