An Imo State-based developer, Engr. Bernard Anyanwu Nzerem has cried out following the demolition of his multi-billion-naira shopping mall at Naze junction in Owerri North local government area, Imo State, by officials of the State Government.

The demolished commercial complex, according to him, is valued at N2.2 billion.

Speaking to journalists in Owerri, Nzerem claimed that the demolition was unlawful, maintaining that he had valid documents to back up his claim.

He alleged the structure was demolished by Ikenna Elezianya the Commissioner in charge of the ministry of science, technology and engineering, along with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri without prior information.

Nzerem told journalists that he is appealing to the appropriate quarters not to allow injustice to prevail and asked for adequate compensation for the loss of what he said was his lifetime investment.

The developer recounted the trauma he passed through upon discovering that his entire investment had been reduced to rubble during his absence from the State.

The demolished structures, according to him, include a modern business plaza and a shopping mall at No. 1 Naze/Federal Polytechnic Junction, off Owerri/Aba Road, with full approval by relevant authorities.

He narrated that the land was lawfully acquired in 2010 from MiTech Nigeria Limited, a company which was formerly in possession of the land having bought it in 1982 from the native owners, Naze community.

Engr Nzerem added that all documents were duly signed and endorsed by the elders and representatives of the seven clans of Naze but regretted that some of the elders who signed the documents are now late.

He revealed that all necessary documents, such as the Certificate of Occupancy, Power of Attorney, and others were submitted to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Cosmos Iwu, the Office of the Commissioner of Police, the Governor’s Office, and others.

“Despite forwarding these official documents for proper verification and intervention, no action was taken to prevent the demolition,” he lamented.

The developer expressed shock that all efforts he made could not yield any result as the structures were reduced to dust.

He alleged that they two officials stormed his property with armed police officers and unidentified youths, using heavy duty equipment to bring down the structures while he was away in Lagos attending a professional training programme.

He described the incident as a deliberate act of injustice, stressing that the demolished property posed no obstruction and was not erected  on any government designated land.

Nzerem hinted that the Commissioner for Lands, Enyinna Onuegbu, had earlier reviewed and validated the authenticity of his documents.

He also disclosed that five of his staff members, including a commercial driver, were arrested and detained for five days at Tiger Base during the operation.

The developer revealed that over 60 Imo youths who earned their livelihoods from the shopping plaza were now jobless, coupled with the trauma they were currently passing through.

“The situation has thrown me into a dark place and it’s too difficult to cope with the reality of losing everything I have worked for over 15 years,” he said.

Nzerem accused the two officials of indulging in land grabbing and abuse of power, alleging that their motives were rooted in personal interests rather than public good.

He appealed to the State Governor, Hope Uzodinma to urgently intervene and ensure he received adequate compensation.

The developer also urged the Governor to investigate the matter thoroughly and take swift action to correct what he termed as sheer injustice.

Reacting when contacted, the commissioner for science, technology and engineering clarified that the action was carried out in line with directives from the governor.

He said that the demolition was part of the State Government’s plan to boost the State transportation system by establishing three Central Bus Terminals in Owerri, which he said captured the particular land in question.

“Yes, the land in question is government property, and the structures erected on it were illegal.

“Nzerem is parading outdated land documents, while the current and official layout designates the area solely for government use,” the commissioner said.

He explained that the Surveyor General of State, Bob Odidika Uzodinma, along with the Ministry of Lands, had duly visited the site and confirmed the structures were unlawfully built.

Elezianya dismissed the accusations levelled against him as unfounded, describing it as defamatory in nature.

“Instead of resorting to media attacks, Nzerem should direct his energy toward seeking compensation from the Governor, who has the authority to address such matters,” he added.

The Commissioner further used the moment and advised media practitioners to always embrace investigative journalism, rather than stirring unnecessary controversies, stressing that public interest should play central role in their reportage.