BENIN CITY – The Edo State Task Force on Street Trading, led by SP Mike Anetor and comprising various security personnel, has launched a clearance operation at the Ring Road axis of Benin City.
The exercise, aimed at restoring order to an area long plagued by congestion and disorder, is part of the government’s broader efforts to create a more organised and accessible environment for residents and businesses.
For years, the Ring Road area has been notorious for traffic gridlocks caused by illegal street trading and taxi drivers operating without regulation.
The situation was worsened by alleged hoodlums posing as task force officials, extorting commuters and compounding the challenges faced by road users.
Determined to change the narrative, the government stepped in over the weekend, successfully clearing the area and bringing much-needed relief to residents.
The clean-up aligns with the state’s SHINE agenda, which prioritises infrastructure development and urban renewal, transforming Benin City into a more beautiful and orderly space.
According to Mr John Okafor, a trader in the area, the task force’s actions demonstrate the administration’s commitment to building a better Edo State. Echoing the sentiments of many residents, he remarked, “This is the Edo we voted for, a state where the government is proactive in addressing public concerns and fostering an environment for growth and development.”
