The government of Delta State’s Ughelli North Local Government Area forcibly removed, roadside traders, street vendors and hawkers along the ever-busy East/West Road at Otovwodo-Ughelli Junction on Monday.
The LGA Chairman, Godwin Adode, stated that they carried out the exercise in accordance with the directive of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.
“The state Governor, His Excellency Sheriff Oborevwori, was in Ughelli last week and he directed that all traders and businessmen trading along the East/West Road by Otovwodo Junction should relocate within one week of grace, or be prepared to face the long arm of the law,” he explained.
The head of the council, who was on the ground to oversee the exercise, told the press,
“The need to evacuate all those trading along the roadside, and those who built temporary structures under the high tension wire has become imperative as their actions pose danger to the lives of the people.”
Adode cautioned street vendors, particularly those selling goods along sidewalks, not to challenge the state government’s authority.
“The official task force will be on ground, henceforth, to arrest any violator of the law and they will be severely dealt with to serve as deterrent to others.
“Successive governments in the state had advised the street traders and marketers displaying wares along the walkways to leave, but they have remained adamant to the government instructions.
“Today, we are here to enforce the state government’s directives. We are pulling down all illegal structures, caravans, etc. along the road, for ease flow of vehicular and human movement.”
cc: Punch Ng
