Edo Govt Demolishes Stalls Under High-Tension Power Lines

 

The Edo State Government on Tuesday demolished illegal stalls, eave extensions, and caravans built under a 132kV high-tension power line in Egor Market, Benin City, following a fire outbreak on the overhead line.

The exercise, carried out by the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA), targeted structures located directly within the power line’s right-of-way in the market and its environs.

As bulldozers moved in, traders and onlookers scrambled to salvage their goods while officials pulled down the affected structures. The atmosphere was tense, with some stall owners seen crying and complaining that they were not given enough time to evacuate, while others commended the government for acting to prevent future disasters.

Speaking to journalists after the demolition, the Managing Director of ESDBCA, Darlington Igabali, said the traders had been adequately notified before the exercise.

“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 noted that many traders had already removed a substantial part of their structures before officials arrived, making the exercise easier for his team.

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“The demolished stalls belonged to traders who refused to comply with earlier directives. No goods were destroyed during the exercise. We gave them time to remove all that belonged to them. We made it humanly possible for them to do so before the demolition,” he added.

Some of the affected traders confirmed receiving prior notice.

Lisa Iredia said the traders were given a seven-day notice before the exercise and that most of them complied with the government directive.

Another trader, Mrs. Grace Odion, commended the government for the action, describing it as necessary to save lives.

“It is painful to lose a shop, but if we don’t do this, the fire will kill people. Government did the right thing,” she said.

One of the affected traders, who lamented losing her business premises, appealed to the government for support.

The demolition followed a sudden fire outbreak on the 132kV overhead line, which raised fresh concerns about safety in the busy market.

Authorities said building under high-tension lines violates safety regulations and puts traders and customers at risk of electrocution and fire.

ESDBCA reiterated that the right-of-way must remain clear and warned that further enforcement would be carried out in other markets across the state where illegal structures exist under power lines.

The agency urged traders to adhere to building regulations and avoid erecting stalls in prohibited areas to prevent the loss of lives and property.

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