Residents Praise Bayelsa Govt Over Demolition of Illegal Settlement in Yenagoa
By Rachel Akper
Residents of Yenagoa have commended the Bayelsa State Government for demolishing a notorious shanty settlement in the Yenizue-Gene area of the state capital as part of efforts to strengthen security and maintain environmental order.
The demolished settlement, which consisted of makeshift wooden structures used for petty trading, transportation services, and informal housing, had reportedly become associated with criminal activities such as drug abuse, trafficking of stolen property, and other social vices that worried residents in the area.
Speaking on the development, the Technical Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Alagoa Morris, said the demolition was carried out in line with the urban renewal and security policies of Governor Douye Diri’s administration.
Morris explained that the government had previously conducted similar sanitation and demolition exercises in areas including Tombia Market, Opolo, Kpansia, Swali Market environs, and parts of the Oxbow Lake axis. He said those exercises had helped improve security and urban aesthetics across the state capital.
He also stated that occupants of the affected settlement were given prior notice before the demolition exercise was carried out, stressing that the government prioritizes public safety and orderly development over illegal occupation of public spaces.
Some residents of the area welcomed the action, describing it as long overdue. They argued that the settlement had become a security risk to surrounding communities, especially amid rising concerns about crime in urban centres.
“The demolition is long overdue. That area was becoming a hub for drugs, stolen phones, and other illegal activities,” said resident Timi-Ikio Enewari.
However, some displaced occupants expressed concerns about losing their affordable accommodation and business spaces. One resident, Haruna Abass, said many people stayed in the settlement because of the low cost of rent despite being aware of the planned demolition.
The state government reiterated its commitment to continuing urban renewal projects across Bayelsa State, saying the exercises were necessary to promote safety, sanitation, and sustainable development in the state capital.
