Traders and business owners at the popular FUTA Junction area of Akure, Ondo State, were thrown into distress on Tuesday after suspected hoodlums allegedly invaded the area and destroyed properties worth millions of naira during a disputed land takeover.
Witnesses said about 20 hoodlums stormed the business premises with bulldozers and demolished several shops stocked with provisions, food items, household goods, beverages, sachet water and other merchandise.
A visit to the scene revealed distraught traders and artisans lamenting the losses incurred, with many appealing to the government and well-meaning Nigerians for assistance.
One of the affected traders, Mrs Helen Chidinma, described the incident as devastating, alleging that some of her goods were looted while others were crushed during the demolition exercise.
She explained that occupants of the premises had earlier received a quit notice from a man who claimed ownership of the land.
According to her, the notice was forwarded to the landlord, who advised them to hand it over to his lawyer.
Chidinma said after the expiration of the initial notice, another notice was served, giving them 11 days to vacate the property.
She stated that when the deadline elapsed, the claimant allegedly threatened to bring bulldozers to the site if the occupants failed to leave. The traders subsequently sought legal advice and reported the matter to the police.
According to her, the claimant later returned to the premises accompanied by security operatives and bulldozers, prompting traders to hurriedly remove their belongings before the demolition commenced.
Another trader, Mr Seyi Jonathan, said the land had been the subject of ownership disputes for several years.
He recalled that a family had previously laid claim to the property and that legal battles had followed after the land was reportedly sold to another party.
Jonathan alleged that the dispute became more complicated after the death of the original landowner, adding that different parties subsequently laid claim to the property and collected rent from tenants.
He said traders were shocked when bulldozers arrived at the premises and began pulling down structures despite the ongoing disagreements over ownership.
The affected occupants appealed to the Ondo State Government and the state anti-land grabbing committee, chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo (SAN), to intervene in the matter and prevent further losses.
They also urged the authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the demolition and provide relief for victims whose businesses were affected.