The Suspension of Edo State Security Corps, ESC, PUWOV, the Consequent Rise in Street Trading

Politicians of different folks may have been basking in the euphoria of the indefinite suspension of the Edo State Security Corps and the noticeable withdrawal of the Public Works Service from the streets.

The Inspector General of police Kayode Egbetokun in his recent pronouncement at a forum organised by INEC in Benin City, said the police decision is informed by a series of petitions received over what he claimed to be negating the will of the people.

This has led to the wide spread of both criticisms and support by a distance where many believed it was politically motivated and others saying it was the best decision.

Where many have commended the move, the recent suspension of the Edo State Security Corps ESC, has led to a significant increase in street trading activities across the state.

This impact of the suspension and the resulting rise in street trading, can be revisited to push back the advancement of local traders to vehicle routs where they also face the risk of being knocked down by vehicles.

The ESC was established to maintain law and order, and ensure the safety of citizens and their properties.

However, the corps was suspended due to reasons not disclosed by the inspector general of police who was widely criticized in some quarters.

Since the suspension of the ESC, and its sisters service provider PUWOV, there has been a noticeable surge in street trading activities.

Traders have taken over major roads and highways, causing traffic congestion and posing a risk to pedestrians.

The absence of the ESC and PUWOV has created a power vacuum, allowing street trading to thrive unchecked.

At the Popular Oba Ovonramwen Square, otherwise called the roundabout, it’s glaring before the blind the bizarre of how bus drivers navigate in opposite directions causing major struggles.

Governor Godwin Obaseki 8 years now coming to an end has tammed their activities bringing sanity to the metropolis

It would also be recalled that, the Oredo Government Council Chairman, Dr. Tom Obaseki also restricted Petty traders from doing business around the ring road area and adjoining streets and this has fallen on deaf ears.

Street traders have now invaded motor ways, to trade their commodities where revenue collectors go after them in a commando voyage.

The situation has become a concern for residents, motorists, and business owners, living most users in panic over the safety of their property.

If sanity must return in due course the government should reconsider the suspension of the ESC or provide alternative security measures to address the current security gap.

The government should engage with street traders and provide designated trading areas to prevent the takeover of major roads.

Law enforcement agencies should increase their presence and enforcement activities to maintain order and ensure compliance with trading regulations.

The suspension of the ESC has led to an increase in street trading, causing inconvenience and safety risks.

The government must take immediate action to address the situation and restore order in the state.