LITFCMB shuts Lagos Trade Fair Complex indefinitely after deadly clash leaves one staff dead

By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka Abuja

The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex has been closed indefinitely following a violent clash on Sunday that reportedly claimed the life of a staff member and left two others hospitalised.

The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of LITFCMB, Barr. Vera Safiya Ndanusa, disclosed this during a telephone interview with Newsmaker on Monday.
According to Barr. Ndanusa, the incident occurred when a management task force moved to halt what she described as illegal construction activities within the complex.
She explained that while the task force attempted to enforce compliance, the individuals involved allegedly opened fire on officials. “In the process of stopping them, they opened fire on the task force. One staff died on the spot, and two others are in the hospital,” she said.
Barr. Ndanusa praised the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies for their prompt intervention, noting that the situation was quickly brought under control, thereby preventing further violence or reprisals.
She stated that the market would remain shut until investigations into the incident are completed.
Describing the trade fair complex as a critical federal asset located along the West Africa trade corridor, the LITFCMB boss stressed that acts capable of disrupting law and order would not be tolerated.
“Violence and criminality stand directly in opposition to the vision of a secure, prosperous and investment-friendly Nigeria,” she stated.
Efforts by Newsmaker to contact the Balogun Business Association through its public inquiry line, +234 803 070 2090, and the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer on 0803 596 3919 were unsuccessful on Monday. The BBA line was unreachable, while the police MTN line was unavailable and the GLO line switched off.
As of press time, the Lagos State Police Command had yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. The identity of the deceased staff member and the complete circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under police investigation.