In a bid to safeguard public safety, the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council in Rivers State has begun the demolition of illegal structures and shanties along the Obiri-Ikwerre axis.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Mr. Goodluck Nsirim, the exercise forms part of a wider crackdown on unauthorised constructions that have sprung up in violation of planning regulations and posed serious risks to residents and commuters.
According to the statement, Areas such as Obiri-Ikwerre, Choba Junction and Rumuorlumeni have in recent months witnessed a surge in the erection of makeshift buildings, many of them located in flood-prone or high-risk zones, thereby endangering lives, the environment and overall public order.
The statement noted that the demolition followed extensive public sensitization campaigns, stakeholder consultations, repeated media announcements over several months and affected persons were served notices on multiple occasions clearly spelling out the hazards of illegal structures and giving them specific deadlines to vacate and dismantle the buildings themselves.
Despite these warnings, many failed to comply, prompting the council to commence enforcement operations starting from the Obiri-Ikwerre corridor.
The statement added that the council believes the action will not only protect lives and property but also improve living conditions for residents and provide a more conducive atmosphere for legitimate businesses to operate.
The demolition exercise is expected to continue in phases until all identified illegal structures in designated high-risk areas are cleared.
