The Edo State Government has demolished shops, stalls and other unauthorised structures built beneath a 132kV high-tension electricity line at Egor Market in Benin City, citing safety concerns following a recent fire incident involving the overhead power infrastructure.

The enforcement exercise was carried out by the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA), targeting structures located within the power line’s designated right-of-way. Authorities said the move was necessary to prevent further risks to traders, customers and residents operating around the area.

During the operation, bulldozers pulled down the affected stalls as traders rushed to remove their belongings. The exercise generated mixed reactions, with some shop owners expressing disappointment over the loss of their business spaces, while others acknowledged the importance of clearing the area to reduce safety hazards.

The Managing Director of ESDBCA, Darlington Igabali, said the affected traders had received prior warnings before the demolition began.

“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 explained that many traders had already removed parts of their structures before officials arrived, adding that the agency worked to ensure that business owners had enough opportunity to recover their goods.

“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 traders confirmed that notices were issued before the enforcement action. Lisa Iredia said affected traders were given a seven-day notice, while another trader, Grace Odion, described the demolition as a necessary step to protect lives despite the financial losses experienced by some business owners.

The demolition followed a fire outbreak involving the 132kV overhead transmission line, which raised renewed concerns about the dangers of allowing commercial activities and structures beneath high-voltage power facilities.

The Edo State Government maintained that construction within power transmission corridors violates safety regulations and exposes the public to possible electrocution, fire outbreaks and other hazards.

ESDBCA said similar enforcement actions would continue in other parts of the state where illegal developments exist within restricted areas. The agency urged residents and traders to comply with planning regulations and avoid building in locations considered unsafe for human occupation.