The Executive Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Chief Anthony Onoriode Ofoni JP, on Friday, July 3, 2026, led an operation to dislodge traders, prowlers, and Keke riders from under the Enerhen Flyover in a bid to restore order and ease traffic in the area.
The exercise, tagged “Operation Restore Sanity to Enerhen Flyover,” cleared indiscriminate trading and loitering activities under the newly constructed infrastructure. It also pushed motorcyclists away from the flyover to improve traffic flow and enhance the ambience of the area.
According to the Council, the activities of illegal occupants under the flyover had largely contributed to traffic obstruction at Enerhen Junction, causing frustration and delays for commuters. Officials added that disorderly display of goods and tricycles had masked the aesthetic value of the state project.
Chairman Ofoni said the operation was also aimed at improving security and curbing drug-related activities. “The presence of prowlers who masquerade as vagrants under the Enerhen flyover portends danger for residents, business owners and passersby, especially at night,” he noted. “This move will assure residents of safety and correct unprintable attributions to activities in the area.”
Ofoni, who was joined by the Uvwie Council Environmental Task Force led by Hon. Collins Ighrakpata and other appointees, stated that the exercise was intended to provide a lasting solution to traffic congestion in the area.
“Right now we have got a place for Keke riders and traders. Dislodged Keke riders and traders are expected to go there instead of parking along the road, causing traffic,” Ofoni said. “For those sleeping under the bridge, we want to put an end to that, because this project that His Excellency gave to us has not been commissioned, but they are turning it into something else. We just have to remedy the situation.”
The Council Chairman had previously declared Uvwie LGA a “no-go” area for drug abusers and their sponsors. Friday’s operation, he said, aligns with his administration’s drive to stamp out traces of drug abuse from the council area to safeguard youths.
To cushion the impact on affected businesses, the Council has relocated legitimate traders and motorcyclists to a new Enerhen market space described as safer, secured, and strategic for commercial activity. The new space is expected to allow for orderly display of goods and improved patronage.
Residents reacted positively to the relocation. One resident said the new market would foster quick access to goods and services previously scattered around the bridge. A trader noted that although the move might initially affect comfort, it would likely boost patronage as customers become aware of a coordinated market in the area.
Ofoni assured traders that a market committee would oversee their welfare. He also charged the Agaga-Erugba youth president, Mr. Monday Umukoro Ajuitsy, to ensure sustained orderliness both in the market and under the flyover.
The exercise was applauded by eyewitnesses who described it as a step toward enhancing development brought to Uvwie LGA by Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
