The Edo State Government has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to traders operating under power lines at Egor Market and along Uwelu Road to vacate their shops ahead of a planned demolition exercise aimed at preventing further loss of lives and property.

The state’s deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa gave the ultimatum during an inspection of the area following a recent fire incident linked to the power line.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, while addressing traders during the visit, Idahosa said the government’s decision followed safety assessments conducted by the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

According to him, only structures directly encroaching on the electricity right-of-way will be affected by the demolition.

“The demolition exercise will be carried out by Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development,” he said.

The Deputy Governor noted that the government had exercised discretion by exempting buildings located outside the designated right-of-way in order to minimise losses.

According to him, “We have given exceptions to some properties that are a bit far off to minimise the damage. That is why we are here.

“You can see the joy on the faces of our people. That is what the Okpebholo administration is all about, ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.”

Idahosa commended the traders for their cooperation and expressed confidence that the demolition exercise, scheduled to commence on Tuesday, July 7, would proceed peacefully.

Recalling the recent fire incident, Idahosa said the government could not afford to ignore the dangers posed by illegal structures beneath high-tension cables.

“A few days ago, there was an incident here involving the power line. If not for God’s intervention, there would have been many casualties.

“We are here today to inform those directly affected to remove their belongings before the demolition,” he pleaded.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Vincent Uwadiae, accompanied by the Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, Mr. Darlington Igabali, said the exercise was part of the government’s ongoing public enlightenment campaign.

He disclosed that prior notices had already been served on affected occupants.

“A week ago, someone lost his life due to a fire caused by the high-tension power line.

“This exercise is to enlighten our people on the imminent demolition of illegal structures under the power lines. We have earlier issued notices to those concerned,” Uwadiae said.

One of the affected traders, Mrs. Emilia Omorogie, a kerosene dealer at Egor Market, pledged the traders‘ cooperation with the government’s directive.

She commended the state government for engaging traders through sensitisation and for prioritising public safety.