The Association of Igbo Town Unions has petitioned international human rights bodies over the demolition of shops and properties belonging to Igbo traders in Lagos.

Petitions to global and regional bodies

In separate letters to the United Nations Human Rights Council, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice, the group accused Nigerian authorities of ignoring what it called systematic economic and ethnic discrimination.

Speaking in Umuahia, the National President of ASITU, Chief Emeka Diwe, said the group turned to international institutions after several unsuccessful attempts to get Nigerian authorities to act.

“We are not doing this because we have lost faith in Nigeria,” Diwe said. “We are doing it because the relevant agencies have failed to address our documented grievances.”

Demolitions described as economic cleansing

Flanked by other executive members, Diwe described the demolitions as “economic cleansing.”

He said the pattern of targeting properties owned by Igbo investors sends a damaging message about property rights and ethnic equality in Nigeria.

“These demolitions tell investors that property rights are not safe in this country,” he said. “When ethnicity becomes a factor in governance, it destroys confidence, growth, and the rule of law.”

ASITU rejected the Lagos State Government’s claim that the affected structures were built on waterways.

The group insisted that most of the properties were legally acquired and had valid government approvals before demolition.

“Many of these buildings had certificates signed by the same authorities who later destroyed them,” Diwe said.

“This is not law enforcement. It is the destruction of livelihoods and a violation of constitutional rights.”

The group also alleged that several demolition notices were served too close to execution dates, leaving owners with no opportunity to seek legal redress.

Call for peace and renewed investment in the South-East

ASITU urged affected property owners to remain calm and law-abiding while the petitions are being reviewed.

The group also appealed to Igbo entrepreneurs to channel more investments back home to strengthen the South-East economy.

“To our business community, do not lose hope,” Diwe said. “Let your wealth return home. Build industries in Igboland so that our region becomes an economic base that commands respect and security.”

He emphasized that the group’s actions were not aimed at secession but at promoting fairness, respect, and economic resilience across the country.

“We want justice, not division,” he said. “Nigeria can only survive if every citizen is treated equally under the law.”