Governor orders arrest of head of task force for “visiting destruction on innocent people”
Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has ordered the arrest and prosecution of the chairman of the state Task Force on Demolition of Illegal Properties, Lawrence Loye, for carrying out illegal and unauthorised demolition of buildings in the state capital.
Oshiomhole gave the order yesterday while inspecting an illegally demolished building on Siluko Road, Benin City. “As you have seen, this building that he has destroyed does not in any way affect the moat,” Oshimhole said. “There is enough space between the property and the moat. The fact that you work for government does not give you license to visit harm and destruction on innocent people.
“I am convinced that he acted in bad faith; he acted in mischief. He is a sadist and his purpose is to bring confusion to the community and confuse the people about the genuineness of our intentions.” The Governor also decried the recklessness with which the task force had been operating.
According to the governor, “Major Loye, on his own, without authorisation from the commissioner, moved to this location and brought down this building. He is not a town planning officer. He is only to carry out demolitions after a competent officer identifies a property that offends the right of way. He has assumed the powers of the ministry of land and environment. On his own, without being told, he goes about marking houses indiscriminately.” The governor re-assured the people, saying he remained committed to clearing the path of flood in the city.
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