The expansive and boisterous Oshodi market in Lagos, famous for cheap prices, but a haven for pick pockets and notorious for blocking traffic, has been flattened by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment (MOE).

Officials of the MOE Task Force on Sunday wrecked all the tables, kiosks, stalls, and sheds that jammed Agege Motor Road and spilled onto narrow, muddy streets in illegal clusters.

The Task Force, which carried out the operation at about 3 a.m., enlisted the help of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officials and the police.

Trading materials were set ablaze.

A KAI official, who did not want his name in print, said there was no resistance as the traders were not around.

Even when some who came for early morning trading discovered their fate "they just co-operated," he added.

Some were allowed to salvage wares from their stores. But it was a surprise package for others who arrived in the afternoon, as they met their kiosks, tables, sheds, and stalls burning.

Those who could not hold back tears sobbed as they said they were not given any notice to evacuate, and lamented that it was a bad way to start the new year.

The Iyaloja of Abibat Mogaji Mini Market, Omolabake Banjo, criticised the exercise, saying the traders obtained council permission to set up shop.

The Babaloja of Ifesowapo Textile Dealers Market, Lateef Tajudeen, expressed concern that the traders will be left on their own after the demolition since proper stalls are priced out of their reach.

KAI Marshall General, Danjuma Meigeri, insisted that the traders were given notice in an operation that aims to keep Lagos clean.

Thick black smoke still billowed in the sky at 3.30 p.m.

The Task Force officials did not molest passers-by, but they arrested hoodlums for unruly behaviour and locked them up in a Black Maria to be taken to Alausa, the seat of power.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200901050428.html