Following the illegal demolition of the Ayangburen market, Sabo, by some unknown elements, which attracted public outcry from the division and beyond, the cheering news coming from the traders, some of whom are still traumatized by what had befallen them is that the Lagos State Government has requested them to submit the allocation papers which authenticates their ownership of shops demolished and also list items and goods belonging to them, which were likewise destroyed in the unfortunate incident.
Our Correspondent who visited the market to follow up with the traders on the good news, gathered that most of the affected traders had sent their allocation papers and list of items destroyed in the May 4th illegal demolition of several shops and stores.
Mr Ayo Adamu, an APC leader in Ikorodu Ward 2, whose two shops were also demolished, described the news of Governor Ambode’s plan to compensate them as great gesture. “Honestly when we heard the news, most of us didnt believe it until the Governor sent for our allocation papers and list of our things destroyed in the attack by people who yet to be revealed to us”, he said.
One of the oldest and most popular trader in the market, Alhaji Azeez Akuko, who also confirmed the news that the affected traders have submitted their allocation papers to the state government following a request after a recent meeting held in Alausa, said it was a surprise though that Governor Ambode could move swiftly to start the compensation process. “I was not even at the market when people started submitting their allocation papers because you can see all that is left of my investments. But I received a call when I brought my allocation paper as a proof that I owned shop 607, I realised that almost everyone had submitted”, he stated.
Traders who rented shops from original shop owners, but had their goods and properties destroyed have appealed to Governor Ambode to include them in the compensation programme altogether, so that they would not have to wait much longer after shop owners have been duly settled.
