Edo Govt to Demolish Buildings Under Power Lines, Issues 7-Day Ultimatum

Edo Govt Issues 7-Day Ultimatum to Residents Under High-Tension Power Lines

The Edo State Government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to residents, shop owners, and landlords occupying areas beneath high-tension electricity power lines across the state, warning them to vacate immediately or face demolition.

The directive follows the recent fire outbreak at Egor Market in Benin City, which was reportedly caused by high-tension electricity lines. The incident claimed the life of a 31-year-old man and destroyed properties.

The warning was issued during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected area by the Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA), Hon. Igabali Imoisili Darlington, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Development Control, Town Planner Henry Enabulele.

Government Warns Residents to Leave Unsafe Areas

Speaking at the scene, Hon. Igabali expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and stressed that areas beneath high-tension power lines are unsafe for both residential and commercial activities.

According to him, people living or doing business under the power lines are exposed to serious risks, including fire outbreaks, electrocution, and other electrical hazards that could lead to the loss of lives and valuable property.

He disclosed that the government had previously issued eviction notices to occupants of the affected areas and is once again giving them seven days to leave.

“We have been warning people that this place is not suitable for habitation. Last year, we served eviction notices, and we are serving them again. If they refuse to comply, we will have no choice but to demolish these structures,” he said.

Structures May Be Demolished After Seven Days

The ESDBCA boss warned that any structures still standing beneath high-tension power lines after the expiration of the seven-day notice would be demolished as part of the government’s efforts to protect lives and enforce building regulations.

He explained that the administration of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo is committed to creating a safer and more organized Edo State.

According to him, the state government has empowered the agency to reclaim unsafe locations and transform them into cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing public spaces.

Residents Urged to Comply

The Edo State Government appealed to all affected residents, landlords, and business owners to comply with the directive without delay.

Officials emphasized that the exercise is not intended to punish anyone but to prevent avoidable disasters and safeguard the lives of citizens.

Residents occupying buildings or operating businesses beneath high-tension electricity lines have therefore been advised to relocate immediately before the government’s enforcement team begins demolition after the seven-day ultimatum expires.