Trade Fair Killing: Fresh Claims Emerge Over Land Dispute as Task Force Seeks Justice

Fresh details have emerged over the violent clash that claimed one life and left three others injured at the Balogun Business Association (BBA) Market within the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The confrontation, which occurred on May 3, 2026, has sparked controversy amid allegations and counter-allegations over a disputed parcel of land and alleged unauthorized construction activities within the complex.

At the centre of the dispute are claims that individuals linked to the leadership of the Balogun Business Association attempted to occupy and develop portions of land reportedly belonging to Mega Rickon Resources Limited.

The Chairman of the Trade Fair Security Task Force, Alhaji Ismaila Bakare, alleged that members of his team were enforcing a stop-work directive issued by the management of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex when they came under attack.

Speaking on the incident, Bakare said the Executive Director of the complex, Chief Mrs. Veronica Ndanusa, directed him to investigate reports of construction activities taking place on the disputed land.

According to him, task force officials arrived at the site and discovered workers erecting attachment shops and other structures.

"We stopped the work and confiscated some equipment, including a generator and welding machine, because construction activities are not permitted on Sundays within the complex," Bakare said.

He alleged that after the task force left the area, the workers procured additional equipment and resumed work at another section of the disputed site.

Bakare claimed that when officials returned to enforce the stop-work order, they encountered resistance from individuals allegedly armed with axes, clubs and machetes.

He further alleged that during the ensuing confrontation, gunshots were fired, leaving three members of the task force injured and one official, identified as Kabiru Jakpata, fatally wounded.

According to Bakare, the deceased was a member of the Trade Fair Security Task Force and died from injuries sustained during the incident.

He alleged that a man identified as Afam Ezeakire, popularly known as "Master," was responsible for the shooting, adding that the allegation has already been reported to the police.

"The man who was shot was Kabiru Jakpata. He later died. He was the only son of his parents, a husband and father of eight children," Bakare said.

The task force chairman disclosed that surviving members transported the injured victims and the deceased to the police station within the complex immediately after the incident.

He said the matter was subsequently escalated to senior police authorities and the management of the Trade Fair Complex, leading to the sealing of the disputed area to prevent further violence.

Bakare also alleged that during meetings with security agencies, embattled BBA President, Chief Oscar Paul Ikechukwu Odogwu, acknowledged directing some individuals to carry out activities at the location where the disputed construction was taking place.

He further claimed that the construction project was being executed on land allegedly owned by Mega Rickon Resources Limited and within adjoining green areas reserved within the complex.

According to him, task force officials had sought to verify ownership documents before any development could continue.

Bakare expressed concern that the alleged shooter had not been apprehended, despite statements made to law enforcement authorities and ongoing investigations.

He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, civil society organisations and human rights groups to ensure a thorough investigation and justice for the deceased.

"This is a painful loss. We want justice for the family of the deceased and for everyone affected by the incident," he said.

Meanwhile, sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that police authorities have invited several stakeholders connected to the dispute, including a director of Mega Rickon Resources Limited, Chief John Nzeako, as part of efforts to establish the facts surrounding the case.

There were also unconfirmed reports that Afam Ezeakire later presented himself to operatives of a police tactical unit after allegedly evading earlier attempts to apprehend him.

As of the time of filing this report, police authorities had yet to issue a comprehensive public statement on the latest developments.

Investigations into the fatal incident are ongoing.