From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Prominent Igbo groups and leaders have condemned the demolition of shops and businesses at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, describing it as an unjust attack on Igbo-owned investments and a threat to national unity.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, said it was alarmed at what it called ‘wilful destruction’ of Igbo properties in Lagos and other parts of the country.
The group’s national publicity secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, said in a statement that, “Ohanaeze is deeply concerned about the wilful destruction of Igbo-owned businesses and investments, particularly in Lagos and other parts of the country, under flimsy and unjustifiable pretexts. This pattern of targeted economic sabotage is unacceptable in a country we all call ours.”
He noted that Ndigbo have remained resilient and industrious, contributing significantly to commerce, education and culture, but still face systemic exclusion.
Similarly, the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), through its Secretary General, Chief Abia Onyike, described the demolitions as unconstitutional.
He said: “Unless the government is promoting anarchy, then that will be state-sponsored terrorism. It calls for a national emergency, which President Tinubu should address otherwise such acts of destruction if not checked can constitute a major threat to constitutional rule in Nigeria.”
Onyike warned that citizens suspect the government itself may be behind the demolitions for political reasons.
“Ethnicity and tribalism have always been there but this is the most brazen, most backward and most primitive step ever taken to score political points,” he said.
In his reaction, Emeritus Professor of Political Science, Obasi Igwe, accused the Lagos State Government of pursuing what he called “an unlawful and cruel campaign of hunger, destitution, frustration, death and ethnic-cleansing against the Igbo.
“Igbo homes are demolished and children return from school to stay under the rain, drenched, hungry, sick, traumatised and gazing at helpless parents.
This is an unlawful and cruel campaign of hunger, destitution, frustration, death and ethnic-cleansing against the Igbo by the Lagos State Government, encouraged by a Federal Government’s ‘body language’ that seems to say, go on, nothing will happen,” Igwe said.
He described the demolitions and fires affecting Igbo businesses as ‘disguised genocide’ and urged Ndigbo to invest more in their home states.
President General of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), Goodluck Ibem, also condemned the demolitions, saying traders had valid building approvals and were not given notice before their shops were pulled down. “This distressing incident not only highlights a serious violation of the rights of our traders but also raises crucial questions regarding the treatment of Ndigbo in Lagos State. The abrupt demolition of their shops and properties is not only unjust but also injurious to their livelihoods,” he said.
COSEYL called for urgent dialogue between Igbo leaders and Lagos authorities, proposing regular forums and joint initiatives to promote understanding. The group also called for youth empowerment programmes and compensation for the affected traders.
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