The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has condemned the demolition of buildings at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex carried out last Thursday by the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

In a statement signed by its President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, the group described the action as “callous” and said it had caused heavy financial losses for traders, most of whom are of Igbo descent.

COSEYL alleged that the demolition was part of a wider plan to inflict hardship on the Igbo community in Lagos, insisting it violated Nigerians’ constitutional right to live and trade freely anywhere in the country.

The group demanded immediate compensation for affected traders and called on the Lagos State government to stop what it termed “ongoing assaults” on the Igbo community. It also urged authorities to engage with stakeholders before carrying out such actions in the future.

COSEYL pledged solidarity with the affected traders and vowed to support efforts to reclaim their businesses and livelihoods.