…sets up magistrate court, others

The Edo State Government has continued the reclamation exercise on the Irhirhi-Obazagbon-Ogheghe axis of Benin metropolis, noting that essential services have been set up on the 1229-hectare portion of land which has been reclaimed from land-grabbers.

The government dislodged land-grabbers in the area on Thursday and has since taken possession of the area for the development of a new town.

The exercise has been without casualty but a total of 11 persons were arrested for loitering in the area.

As at September 30, 2022, a total of 288 structures have been marked for various infractions on the land while a trench measuring 1,200 metres has been erected in the area.

A Magistrate Court has been set up at the premises to try those arrested in the area in the course of the exercise.

Three billboards advertising the new town have been installed at three strategic locations within the land.

The exercise has been largely peaceful as people have resumed their normal daily activities in the area. An emergency hospital has also been set up on site.

The Edo State Government will continue to provide updates on the activities on the site as the exercise progresses.

Chris Osa Nehikhare

Hon. Commissioner for Communication and Orientation