Traders at the Brewery Market in Abeokuta, Ogun State, staged a peaceful protest on Wednesday over an alleged attempt by suspected land grabbers to forcibly take over their market land.
The demonstrators, who came out in large numbers, said the incident had disrupted their businesses and threatened their only means of livelihood.
Speaking to journalists, the market leader, Mr. Oluwadamilola Solanke, said the crisis began on Saturday when armed men—wielding cutlasses, axes, and firearms—invaded the market in an attempt to forcefully evict traders.
According to him, more than 600 traders have been affected. “This land is part of the Federal Government’s step-back, and we have official documents showing it was approved for market use. Now, our shops have been destroyed, and we’re left homeless under the scorching sun,” Solanke lamented.
He noted that many of the affected traders are widows, single mothers, and other vulnerable individuals. He appealed to the Federal Ministries of Environment and Works, the local government, and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to urgently intervene.
“Even this morning, some traders were chased away again by men who returned in a Hilux vehicle, brandishing weapons. We are pleading with the state government to show compassion and intervene before the situation worsens,” he added.
One of the affected traders, a widow named Mrs. Sherifat Odunfa, also spoke at the protest, describing the ordeal as heartbreaking.
“I am a widow; I have nowhere else to go. Even commercial drivers and motorcyclists who used to operate here have fled out of fear. Please, leave us in peace—we are only struggling to survive,” she pleaded.
The traders stressed that their protest was not against the government but aimed at drawing attention to the threats posed by suspected land grabbers. They called for immediate action to safeguard their market and secure their livelihoods.
