By Evelyn Unuigbe
The Edo State Government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to residents, shop owners and landlords occupying areas beneath high-tension electricity lines to vacate or face demolition.
The directive follows the recent fire outbreak at Egor Market in Benin City, which was reportedly triggered by high-tension power lines and claimed the life of a 31-year-old man.
The Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA), Hon. Igabali Imoisili Darlington, gave the warning during an on-the-spot assessment of the incident. He was represented by the agency’s Director of Development Control, Town Planner Henry Enabulele.
Expressing condolences to the family of the deceased, Hon. Igabali described areas beneath high-tension electricity lines as unsafe for both residential and commercial activities, warning that continued occupation exposes people to fire outbreaks and other electrical hazards capable of causing loss of lives and property.
“We have been warning people that this place is not suitable for habitation. Last year, we served eviction notices, and we are serving them again. If they refuse to comply, we will have no choice but to demolish these structures,” he said.
He stated that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains committed to safeguarding lives and creating a safer, more orderly environment across the state.
According to him, the government has empowered the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency to reclaim unsafe areas, enforce building regulations and transform such locations into safer and more aesthetically pleasing public spaces.
The agency appealed to all residents and business owners operating beneath high-tension power lines to immediately relocate from the affected areas, warning that any structures remaining after the seven-day deadline would be liable to demolition.
The government reiterated that the exercise is aimed at protecting lives and property while ensuring a safe and habitable environment for all Edo residents.
