The Edo State Government on Tuesday demolished illegal structures, makeshift stalls and caravans erected beneath a 132kV high-tension electricity transmission line at Egor Market in Benin City, following a recent fire outbreak involving the overhead power line.
The demolition exercise, carried out by officials of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA), targeted structures considered to be illegally constructed within the power line right-of-way, an area designated as a safety corridor to prevent accidents and protect critical infrastructure.
Heavy machinery, including bulldozers, moved into the market early in the exercise, pulling down shops, kiosks and temporary structures located directly beneath the transmission line.
The operation triggered scenes of panic as traders hurriedly attempted to salvage their goods before the structures were demolished.
Store owners, traders and residents were seen rushing to remove merchandise, furniture and other valuables as the demolition progressed, while large crowds gathered to watch the exercise.
The atmosphere at the market was charged with emotion as some affected traders broke down in tears, lamenting the loss of their businesses and investments.
Several stall owners complained that they were not given sufficient time to remove all their goods and personal belongings before the demolition commenced.
According to some of the traders, although they had received notices, they believed more time should have been provided to enable them relocate their businesses without suffering heavy financial losses.
Others, however, supported the government’s action, arguing that structures built beneath high-voltage electricity lines posed significant dangers to both traders and customers.
They noted that the recent fire outbreak on the overhead transmission line underscored the risks associated with illegal occupation of the power line corridor and justified the government’s intervention.
Speaking to journalists after supervising the exercise, the Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, Mr. Darlington Igabali, explained that the demolition was carried out in compliance with a government directive ordering the immediate evacuation of all illegal structures and activities within the power line right-of-way.
“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 maintained that the exercise followed adequate notification to affected traders and occupants, stressing that the government had engaged those concerned before carrying out the demolition.
According to him, many of the traders had already begun dismantling their stalls after receiving the notices, making the operation less difficult for government officials.
Igabali stated that the level of compliance recorded before the arrival of demolition teams demonstrated that many occupants were aware of the directive and had taken steps to remove portions of their structures voluntarily.
He emphasized that the exercise was primarily aimed at protecting lives and safeguarding critical electricity infrastructure rather than punishing traders.
The government official noted that allowing commercial activities to continue beneath high-tension power lines exposes people to serious risks, including electrocution, fire outbreaks and other potentially fatal accidents.
He added that preserving the integrity of the transmission corridor is essential for ensuring the safe and reliable distribution of electricity.
The recent fire incident on the 132kV overhead line further heightened concerns about safety within the area and reinforced the need for urgent government intervention.
Authorities believe that illegal encroachment on power line corridors can obstruct maintenance activities, increase the likelihood of electrical faults and endanger both workers and nearby residents.
Tuesday’s demolition forms part of broader efforts by the Edo State Government to enforce urban planning regulations, eliminate illegal developments and protect public infrastructure across the state.
While many of the affected traders expressed frustration over the destruction of their businesses, others acknowledged the need to respect safety regulations and avoid occupying restricted areas.
The exercise is expected to restore the designated right-of-way beneath the high-tension transmission line while reducing the risk of future fire outbreaks and other electrical hazards in and around Egor Market.
Government officials reiterated that enforcement of building and safety regulations would continue in the interest of public safety, urging residents and traders to avoid erecting structures within designated utility corridors and other restricted areas.
