Scores Displaced as Military Pulls Down Structures Along DSC Expressway, NPA Road
Residents of Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State have been left homeless following the demolition of structures around the 3 Battalion Army Barracks by military authorities over the weekend.
The exercise targeted shanties, shops and residential buildings reportedly erected on military land and buffer zones around the barracks, leaving several families and traders struggling to find alternative accommodation and recover their livelihoods.
Key Highlights
- Military authorities demolished structures around the 3 Battalion Army Barracks in Effurun.
- The exercise affected homes, shops, container kiosks and beer parlours.
- Military sources said the demolition was necessary to address security concerns and reclaim encroached government land.
- Displaced residents appealed to the Delta State Government and military authorities for assistance and alternative accommodation.
- Community groups called for the verification of ownership claims and support for affected residents.
Soldiers Demolish Structures Around Effurun Army Barracks
Eyewitnesses said soldiers, supported by bulldozers and other security personnel, moved into areas around the DSC Expressway and NPA Road axis as early as 6 a.m. to pull down the structures.
According to residents, occupants received short notice to remove their belongings before the demolition began.
The affected structures included makeshift shops, container kiosks, residential apartments and beer parlours that had reportedly operated close to the barracks fence for several years.
A trader whose shop was demolished said the affected area had been home to residents and business owners for more than five years.
“This place has been here for over five years. Many of us live here and do business here. We didn’t know it would be like this,” the trader said.
Army Cites Security Concerns, Encroachment
Military sources said the demolition was necessary to address security concerns and reclaim government land allegedly encroached upon by residents and business operators.
According to the sources, the structures posed potential security risks because of their proximity to the barracks and obstructed access routes used by troops.
A senior military officer said notices had reportedly been served on occupants months before the exercise, but some residents failed to vacate the area.
“The barracks environment must be kept clear. We cannot have civilians building right beside sensitive military installations,” the officer said.
However, the 3 Battalion Public Relations Officer could not be reached for an official statement at the time of filing this report.
Demolition Displaces Families, Destroys Businesses
The demolition has reportedly left several families without accommodation, while household belongings, merchandise and business equipment were destroyed or lost during the exercise.
Some affected residents reportedly spent the night outdoors or sought shelter with relatives in nearby communities.
Landlords and tenants have appealed to the Delta State Government and military authorities to provide assistance and consider an alternative resettlement arrangement.
One affected resident said the demolition had disrupted family life, children’s education and the livelihoods of people who depended on the businesses operating in the area.
“We are not against security. But government should consider where we will go. Children are out of school and we have lost our means of livelihood,” the resident said.
Read also:
- Reps Urge Federal Government to Tackle Devastating Floods in Delta, Other States
- Rivers Warns Residents To Vacate Distressed Buildings
- NSCDC Raids Delta Drug Den, Uncovers Escape Tunnels, Suspected Bribery Notebook
Community Seeks Compensation, Relief for Displaced Residents
Reactions within the community have been mixed, with some residents supporting efforts to secure the military installation while others questioned the timing and manner of the demolition.
Some affected residents called for adequate notice and compensation for their losses.
Civil society groups in the Warri and Effurun area have also called on the Army and the Delta State Government to establish a committee to verify ownership claims and provide assistance to those displaced by the exercise.
As of the time of filing this report, normal activities had reportedly resumed around the barracks, although soldiers maintained a strong presence to prevent people from returning to the cleared areas.
The situation has raised concerns about the immediate welfare of displaced families and traders, as affected residents await a response from the relevant authorities.
For more updates on this and other stories from Delta State, follow us on X.
