Trade Fair Market Crisis: Fresh Revelations Emerge Over Deadly Land Dispute That Claimed One Life
By Michael Olawale
Fresh facts have emerged surrounding the violent clash that erupted at the Balogun Business Association (BBA) Market within the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, leaving one person dead and three others injured.
The incident, which occurred on May 3, 2026, has continued to attract widespread attention as conflicting accounts emerge regarding the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Sources familiar with the matter alleged that the crisis was linked to a dispute over a parcel of land reportedly belonging to Mega Rickon Resources Limited. The land was allegedly the subject of an attempted takeover involving individuals connected to the leadership of the Balogun Business Association.
Following the incident, management of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex reportedly sealed off the disputed area to forestall further violence and restore order within the market environment.
Speaking on the development, Chairman of the Trade Fair Security Task Force, Alhaji Ismaila Bakare, alleged that the President of the BBA, Chief Oscar Paul Ikechukwu Odogwu, had informed him that some persons were directed to occupy portions of land belonging to Mega Rickon Resources Limited as well as adjoining green areas for commercial development.
Bakare said he had already provided a statement to the police and further alleged that a man identified as Afam Ezeakire, popularly known as “Master,” was responsible for the shooting that resulted in the death of a task force official and injuries to three others.
According to him, members of the Trade Fair Security Task Force were enforcing a stop-work order issued by the management of the complex against what was described as unauthorized construction activities when the confrontation occurred.
He claimed that the construction work was being carried out on a Sunday in contravention of regulations governing activities within the complex. He further alleged that the workers were accompanied by individuals linked to the BBA leadership, including security personnel and other supporters.
Bakare explained that the task force had initially visited the site following directives from the Executive Director of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Chief Mrs. Veronica Ndanusa, to verify reports of construction activities on land reportedly allocated to Mega Rickon Resources Limited.
Upon arrival, the officials allegedly discovered workers erecting attachment shops and carrying out fabrication work. The task force subsequently halted the project, confiscated some equipment, including a generator, and ordered those present to vacate the site.
However, Bakare alleged that after the task force left the area, the workers returned with additional equipment and resumed construction, extending their activities into nearby green areas.
He further claimed that when task force members returned to enforce the stop-work directive, they came under attack from individuals armed with machetes, clubs and axes.
According to his account, members of the task force attempted to retreat but were met with gunfire. The shooting reportedly left three persons injured and claimed the life of a task force operative identified as Kabiru Jakpata.
Bakare stated that the injured were rushed for treatment while the remains of the deceased were taken to the police division within the Trade Fair Complex.
He also alleged that the Executive Director subsequently contacted the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, prompting authorities to seal off the disputed section of the market.
The task force chairman further claimed that during a meeting involving law enforcement authorities and stakeholders, Chief Odogwu acknowledged directing some of his staff to the location where the construction activities were taking place.
Expressing concern over the pace of the investigation, Bakare alleged that the suspected shooter had yet to be arrested despite statements already made to security agencies.
Describing the incident as a devastating loss, he said the late Kabiru Jakpata was the only son of his elderly parents, a husband and father of eight children.
He disclosed that the deceased’s remains had been deposited in a mortuary in Yaba pending the outcome of an autopsy.
Bakare appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, civil society organizations and human rights groups to ensure that justice is served and that all those responsible are brought to account.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports indicate that Afam Ezeakire later surrendered himself to operatives of Police Tactical Team One after allegedly evading arrest attempts by local vigilantes in Awka-Etiti, Anambra State.
Sources also revealed that police investigators have invited several stakeholders connected to the dispute, including a director of Mega Rickon Resources Limited, Chief Chief John Ezeako, as part of efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, police authorities had yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the latest developments, while investigations into the deadly clash remain ongoing.
