The Northern Youth Peace and Reconciliation Initiative of Nigeria has called on the Lagos State Government to take urgent steps to address the plight of Northern traders operating in the state, following recent attacks at the Alaba International Market.

In an open letter addressed to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, the National Chairman of the group, A. A. Lawan Uba, stressed that Northern traders remain a vital part of Nigeria’s economic backbone, contributing significantly through commerce, trade, and tax payments. He warned that the continued harassment, insecurity, and unfair treatment of traders threaten not only individual livelihoods but also the overall national economy.

The letter highlighted the recent incident at Alaba Market, where many Northern traders were attacked, their shops vandalized, and goods worth millions of naira destroyed. According to Uba, the violence was a painful reminder of the insecurity and risks faced daily by traders in Lagos.

The group, therefore, appealed to the state government to:

1. Strengthen security measures in major markets across Lagos, particularly those where Northern traders operate.

2. Ensure justice for victims of the Alaba Market attacks and provide compensation to help them recover losses.

3. Establish a framework for protecting traders’ investments, preventing harassment, discrimination, or destruction of goods.

4. Introduce welfare packages and support schemes to empower traders and sustain their economic contributions.

Uba further cautioned that neglecting these issues could disrupt the flow of goods and essential commodities from the North to Lagos and other southern states. He emphasized that Nigeria’s regional interdependence must be preserved to safeguard national unity and development.

The group expressed optimism that with stronger support from the Lagos State Government, traders would be better positioned to operate in peace, thereby boosting the state’s prosperity and setting an example of inclusive governance across Nigeria.