The Edo State Government on Tuesday demolished illegal stalls, eave extensions and caravans erected beneath a 132kV high-tension power line at Egor Market in Benin City, following a recent fire outbreak along the transmission line.
The exercise, carried out by the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA), targeted structures and commercial activities encroaching on the power line right-of-way in and around the market.
As demolition equipment arrived at the scene, traders and shop owners hurriedly evacuated their goods, while residents and passersby watched as the affected structures were dismantled.
The exercise drew mixed reactions from traders. While some lamented that they were not given enough time to fully relocate their belongings, others commended the government, describing the demolition as a necessary step to avert future disasters.
Speaking with journalists after the exercise, the Managing Director of ESDBCA, Mr. Darlington Igabali, said the operation was in line with the state government’s directive to clear all illegal structures obstructing the power line corridor.
“We are executing the directive for the immediate evacuation of all illegal structures and activities along the power line right-of-way,” Igabali said.
He explained that many affected traders had already begun dismantling their stalls before the arrival of the demolition team, making the operation less difficult.
According to him, only traders who ignored earlier government notices had their structures demolished.
“We gave them enough time to remove all that belonged to them. We made it humanly possible for them to comply before the demolition. No goods were destroyed during the exercise,” he stated.
One of the affected traders, Ms. Lisa Iredia, confirmed that authorities issued a seven-day notice before the demolition, adding that many traders complied with the directive.
Another trader, Mrs. Grace Odion, backed the government’s action, saying the clearance was necessary to safeguard lives and reduce the risk of accidents associated with trading beneath high-tension power lines.
