Edo govt commences demolition of illegal structures under high tension cables

By Owoleye Oluwakayode

The Edo State government has commenced the demolition of illegal structures under high tension cables and other unauthorised places in Benin metropolis.

Speaking during the exercise in Benin, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mrs. Isoken Omo, said the exercise is aimed at removing structures by illegal developers and squatters that trade in unauthorised locations such as under the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) high tension lines in the metropolis.

She said the exercise became necessary following the expiration of notices and a series of warnings served to the landowners and occupants of the property.

“We are on a demolition exercise to remove illegal structures and traders under high tension/power line at Trinity Way, popularly known as Abuja quarters.

“How can you do an illegal thing and try to legalise it? Are we to accept things that are wrong because of some negative impacts?

“If you know the law and decide to break it, there is always a consequence. These are some of the consequences,” she said.

She said they have given them ample time to move, but instead of leaving, they are building more permanent structures under the power lines.

She said the places are also hideouts for hoodlums as other vices are going on there at night.

Nigerian NewsDirect reports that the illegal structures demolished in the area included stalls and eaves extensions around Ugbor in Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin City.