Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
Benin City — The Edo State Government has commenced the removal of all illegal structures built beneath high-tension electricity wires along Trinity Road, off Second Ugbor in Benin City.
The exercise, supervised by the Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, Hon. Igabali Imoisili Darlington, targeted shanties, caravans, and makeshift stores that had lined both sides of the road from the beginning of Second Ugbor to the end of the Power Line.
Hon. Igabali, who issued a stern warning to individuals still erecting unauthorized buildings across the state, stressed that the Agency was fully committed to enforcing the Edo State Development and Building Control Regulation.
“These structures do not only facilitate daily commercial activities but also serve as hideouts for criminal elements,” he stated.
He emphasized that living and trading under high-tension wires pose significant health risks while also degrading the aesthetics of what should be a prime area of the city. “This exercise is necessary to restore the landscape. As you can see, we are directly under high-tension wires, an area where structures are not permitted. Yet, people have turned it into their homes and business hubs, creating a haven for criminal activity and environmental nuisance. Despite serving multiple notices and clearing this area in the past, the occupants returned. Today, we are reclaiming this space permanently. It is unsafe, unfit and unacceptable,” he said.
According to Hon. Igabali, the Agency had received multiple complaints from residents and Estate Associations over illicit activities within the shanties, which posed serious security threats. He urged citizens to report any attempts to rebuild in the cleared area to relevant authorities for prompt action.
He further revealed that the Agency is working with the Ministry of Environment and the Parks and Gardens Agency to reclaim and beautify the space, while also warning that October will witness a comprehensive clearance operation across the state as part of the “Urban October” initiative.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Government Property, Mr. Eugene Okolise, reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to reclaim public land and remove illegal structures.
“We didn’t just remove the structures today, we sealed off the area to ensure full Government possession. This is the heart of the city, and we cannot allow it to become a criminal hideout. Building under high-tension wires is strictly prohibited,” Okolise stressed.
He added that the area had become a hotspot for illicit activities, including drug trafficking and arms dealing, assuring that the site will now be closely monitored to prevent reoccupation. Anyone caught rebuilding, he warned, will face the full weight of the law.
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