Imo Business Owner Cries Out Over Property Demolition by Nwaneri
…Calls for Governor Uzodimma’s Intervention
By Anselem Anokwute
Engr. Bernard Anyanwu Nzerem (popularly known as Benco), a prominent businessman in Imo State, has raised an alarm over the demolition of his business complex — Plot C5, Mkporo Layout Business Mall — located at No. 1 Bus-Stop, Naze-Nekede Road in Owerri North Local Government Area. The demolition, he claims, was ordered by the Governor’s Commissioner for Science and Technology Innovation Hon. Engr Ikenna Elezieanya and Special Adviser on Monitoring and Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri.
The multimillion-naira property, estimated at over ₦2.2 billion, was allegedly destroyed without prior notice or due process. Engr. Nzerem is calling on Governor Hope Uzodimma to intervene, as he insisted that he was denied the opportunity to present authentic ownership documents that prove the property was not part of the designated land for the ongoing ultramodern motor park project in the area.
According to Engr. Nzerem, the demolition appears unjustified, as the approved site plan from the project contractors clearly excluded his property. “The layout design for the motor park project did not include my land. It is perplexing that my building was demolished while the actual boundaries of the park project were ignored,” he stated while presenting copies of the layout and land ownership documents to journalists in Owerri.
The businessman, who hails from Umuakali Naze Autonomous Community, revealed that he acquired the land in 2010 from the original owner, who had held the property since 1982. He was later issued a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) during the administration of former Governor Rochas Okorocha.
Recounting his ordeal, Engr. Nzerem said he was in Lagos when he received a distress call about the arrest of five of his workers during the demolition. On rushing back to Owerri, he learned that his property had been marked and brought down allegedly due to vested interests involving senior state government officials.
“I was shocked when I heard my building was being brought down despite not falling within the project site. The contractor confirmed this. No notice, no invitation for verification, just armed men and bulldozers,” he lamented.
Efforts to reach Governor Uzodimma, he said, have so far proved unsuccessful. He made repeated visits to the Government House and even attended services at the chapel there in hopes of a chance to encounter with the governor but was denied access.
“I submitted formal petitions and letters of appeal to the Ministries of Works, Lands and Urban Development, and to the Secretary to the State Government. Yet, I received no response,” he said.
Engr. Nzerem explained that the business mall provided office space and accommodation for over 300 families and enterprises, making it a significant contributor to the local economy.
The demolition, he added, has plunged him into serious financial distress as he is still repaying loans used to develop the property.
“The suffering is enormous. This was a lawful investment that employed many and contributed to the state’s development. I am appealing to Governor Uzodimma, a leader known for his compassion, to intervene and investigate this matter urgently,” he concluded.
As tensions rise, concerned residents and business owners in the area have urged the state government to uphold due process and ensure that legitimate investors are protected rather than discouraged.
