By Dan Opara
In what has been described as a deeply disheartening and unlawful action, an illustrious son of Umuakali Naze in Owerri North LGA of Imo State, Engr. Bernard Anyanwu-Nzerem—popularly known as Engr. Benco—has cried out following the demolition of his multi-billion-naira shopping mall and associated structures.
The demolished commercial complex, reportedly valued at over ₦2.2 billion, belonged to Engr. Bernard Nzerem, popularly known as Engr. Benco.
According to him, the massive property was unlawfully brought down by two high-ranking officials in the Imo State Government.
They are: Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Monitoring and Compliance, and Hon. Engr. Ikenna Elezieanya, the Commissioner for Science/Technology, and Engineering.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with many calling for a thorough investigation.
Engr. Benco is appealing for justice and adequate compensation for the loss of his multi-billion-naira investment.
Speaking with a team of Imo-based journalists on Friday, July 11, 2025, in Owerri, the PortHarcourt-Based-General Contractor, Engr.Benco, recounted the trauma he experienced upon discovering that his entire investment had been reduced to rubble during his absence from the state.
According to him, the demolished structures, including a modern business plaza, were located at No. 1 Naze/Federal Polytechnic Junction, off Owerri/Aba Road, and were fully approved by relevant authorities.
He maintained that the land was lawfully acquired in 2010 from MiTech Nigeria Limited, which had earlier purchased the property from the Naze community in 1982.
“All transaction documents were signed and endorsed by the elders and representatives of the seven clans of Naze,” Engr. Benco explained.
“Some of these respected elders are now late, but all the records are there.”
Engr. Benco revealed that he submitted all necessary legal documents, such as the Certificate of Occupancy, Power of Attorney, and other ownership documents, to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), led by Sir.Cosmos Iwu, the Office of the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the Governor’s Office, and other relevant authorities.
Despite forwarding these official documents for proper verification and intervention, no action was taken to prevent the demolition.
Bernard expressed shock that all these efforts were ignored until the buildings were demolished by Nze Nwaneri and Engr. Elezieanya.
He further stated that his desperate appeals to both officials to halt the demolition and carry out due diligence were completely disregarded.
He alleged that they stormed the property site with armed police officers and political thugs, using heavy-duty equipment to bring down the structures while he was away in Lagos attending a professional training program.
“I was not even in town when it happened. They didn’t wait for any court process or proper investigation,” he said.
He described the incident as a deliberate act of injustice, stressing that the demolished property had no encumbrances and was not situated on any government-acquired land meant for the proposed Imo Central Bus Terminal.
He also affirmed that the Imo State Commissioner for Lands, Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu, had earlier reviewed and validated the authenticity of his documents.
To make matters worse, Engr. Benco disclosed that five of his staff members, including a commercial driver, were unlawfully arrested and detained for five days at Tiger Base during the operation.
Now facing the overwhelming emotional and economic consequences of the demolition, Engr. Benco admitted to battling serious distress.
He disclosed that over 60 Imo youths who earned their livelihoods from the shopping plaza are now jobless, compounding his anguish.
“This situation has thrown me into a dark place emotionally. It’s difficult to cope with the reality of losing everything I have worked for over 15 years,” he said.
He accused the officials involved of land grabbing and abuse of power, alleging that their motives were rooted in personal interests rather than public good.
In a passionate appeal, Engr. Benco has called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to urgently intervene and ensure he receives fair and adequate compensation following the demolition of his property.
He expressed deep faith in the Governor’s integrity and sense of justice, stating that he strongly believes the Governor was not informed or aware of the unlawful demolition.
Engr. Benco emphasized that his plea is not just for personal redress but also a call for justice and accountability.
The Naze-Born-Engr.Benco, urged Governor Uzodimma to investigate the matter thoroughly and take swift action to correct the injustice and restore hope to the affected.
“This matter transcends my personal loss; it is a plea for justice,” he stated. “I am earnestly appealing to our Governor, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma, whom I strongly believe is not aware of the injustice that has occurred;
“I implore him to intervene, uphold the values of justice, and extend the Shared Prosperity mantra by ensuring I receive adequate compensation for my demolished property;
“I have faith in his leadership and trust that he will respond swiftly and fairly to this grave issue. This is not just about my plight—it’s about restoring hope and justice to the common man.”
Engr. Benco’s outcry underscores the broader implications of unchecked official actions and serves as a call for transparency, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ rights in governance.
Meanwhile, when contacted for his response regarding the recent demolition of a commercial complex reportedly worth over ₦2.2 billion, Hon. Engr. Ikenna Elezieanya, Imo State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Engineering, clarified that the action was carried out in line with directives from Governor Hope Uzodimma.
According to the Commissioner, the demolition was part of the state government’s plan to establish three Central Bus Terminals in Owerri, specifically at Naze Junction, Egbu Road, and Owerri/Onitsha Expressway, aimed at improving transportation and boosting the economy.
“Yes, the land in question is government property, and the structures erected on it were illegal.
Engr. Benco is parading outdated land documents, while the current and official layout designates the area solely for government use,” Elezieanya stated.
He emphasized that the Surveyor General of Imo State, Surv.Bob Odidika Uzodimma, along with the Ministry of Lands, had duly visited the site and confirmed the structures were unlawfully built.
He dismissed accusations against government officials, warning against what he described as defamatory remarks by the aggrieved developer, Engr. Benco.
“Rather than resort to media attacks, Benco should direct his energy toward seeking compensation from the Governor, who has the authority and compassion to address such matters.
Governor Uzodimma has made all necessary arrangements to ensure the project is completed within nine months, promising to enhance the state’s transportation network and create job opportunities for unemployed youths,” Elezieanya said.
He further advised media practitioners to embrace investigative journalism, rather than stirring unnecessary controversies, stressing that public interest and development should remain the priority.
