The Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde Makinde has allegedly demolished shops and buildings worth millions of naira at Iso Pako, Bodija market, Ibadan.
The exercise was carried out on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.
It was gathered that the demolition exercise was carried out in collaboration with the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) as a result of measures to prevent crimes allegedly perpetrated in the area.
It was also alleged that the rail area had been used as a hideout to perpetrate nefarious activities.
Reacting on the incident, Secretary to the Hausa community, Bodija Ibadan, Mr Idris Abdul Rahuf lamented the loss of property and the displacement of the residents as a result of the demolition
Alhaji AbdulRahuf explained that NRC did not inform them before carrying out the exercise which according to him had affected their sources of livelihood.
He however called on the NRC management and Oyo state government not to relocate them but allow them to continue their businesses in the same area.
He also appealed to the affected traders to be patience and law abiding pending the provision of alternative business place.
Also speaking, Alhaji Muhammed Dandaturaje said that their structures and other belongings were demolished without enough prior notice to prepare.
He implored the government to come to their aids and provide succour to the affected traders.
Alhaji Mohammed described the demolition of their shops and buildings by NRC, as unjustifiable, inhuman, and sheer wickedness.
Two traders, Mrs Wemimo Taiwo and Mrs Olaitan Afolabi expressed their displeasure over the exercise.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria on the exercise, the public relations officer, of Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) Oyo State, Mr. Wale Ayeni said the affected people had been notified before they embarked on the demolition exercise
Mr. Ayeni emphasised that the exercise was aimed at saving lives and fostering development in the area.
He said the recent demolition of shops and buildings in Bodija Market was not to witch-hunt anyone or acquire land, but to bring development, saying NRC had partnered with private organisations to erect New buildings for economic growth.
