By Douglas Princemola
A prominent Imo-born contractor, Engr. Bernard Anyanwu-Nzerem, popularly known as Engr. Benco, has appealed to Governor Hope Uzodimma for intervention following the demolition of his massive shopping mall in Owerri North, valued at over ₦2.2 billion.
The multi-purpose business complex, which stood at No. 1 Naze/Federal Polytechnic Junction, was razed to the ground while Engr. Benco was away in Lagos for a professional training course.
He described the event as shocking and unlawful, claiming the action was carried out without notice, investigation, or a court order.
He alleged that the demolition was led by two senior government officials: Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, and Engr. Ikenna Elezieanya, Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Engineering.
According to Benco, both officials arrived with heavy machinery and police escorts to carry out the demolition.
Engr. Benco revealed that the land was originally purchased from Nipec Nigeria Limited in 2010, a company that had legally acquired it from the Naze community as far back as 1982.
He said all land documents—including the Certificate of Occupancy, Power of Attorney, and endorsements from representatives of the seven Naze clans—were complete and submitted to multiple government institutions for verification, including the Secretary to the State Government and the Imo State Commissioner of Police.
He explained that the documents were reviewed and validated by the Ministry of Lands, and that Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu, the Commissioner for Lands at the time, had confirmed the property’s legitimacy before construction began. Yet, none of those approvals prevented the demolition.
Adding to his distress, five of his workers were arrested during the operation and detained for five days at Tiger Base.
He stated that the building housed dozens of shops and small businesses, and that over 120 youths lost their means of livelihood after the mall was brought down.
Engr. Benco insisted that the property was not located on any land earmarked by the government for the proposed Central Bus Terminal.
He believes the demolition was not for public interest but for private gain under the guise of state development.
He has asked Governor Uzodimma to launch an independent investigation into the matter, ensure the responsible parties are held accountable, and grant him fair compensation for the loss of his investment.
Meanwhile, in a statement to the press, Commissioner Ikenna Elezieanya defended the demolition, saying it was authorized by the Governor as part of a state-wide transportation development plan to establish Central Bus Terminals at Naze Junction, Egbu Road, and Owerri-Onitsha Expressway.
He claimed the land was government-owned and that Engr. Benco’s documents were outdated and invalid.
Elezieanya added that the Surveyor General of Imo State and officials from the Ministry of Lands visited the site and confirmed that the structures were not legally approved.
He advised Benco to follow the proper channels and seek compensation from the Governor rather than resort to media campaigns and public accusations.
As reactions continue to pour in from concerned citizens, calls for justice and transparency in government land use policies have grown louder.
Many believe Engr. Benco’s case highlights the urgent need for fairness and due process in state-led development initiatives.
Public attention now turns to Governor Uzodimma, who is expected to respond to the appeal and restore confidence in his administration’s promise of justice and equity.
