…..Illegal Occupants At New Government House Permanent Site In New Owerri Chased Out.

By Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, April 30, 2025.

In a bold and unapologetic move, the Imo State Government has commenced a renewed and uncompromising recovery of state-owned lands and assets that have been illegally acquired or encroached upon by private individuals and entities. This fresh phase of enforcement is spearheaded by the State Commissioner for Lands, Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri.

The operation, which kicked off at Area P, off Port Harcourt Road, targeted the proposed site for the Permanent Imo State Government House in New Owerri, as designated by the Owerri Master Plan. The recovery is part of the implementation of the Government White Paper, recently gazetted and adopted by the state executive council.

Private structures built illegally on the government land were issued a seven-day ultimatum to vacate the premises. Unoccupied structures that failed to meet this deadline were promptly demolished, sending a clear message of zero tolerance for illegal occupation.

The recovery exercise also extended to the Institution Layout behind IMSUBEB and the Concord Senior Staff Quarters, where unauthorized occupants had taken over. Additionally, government property around the Inland Road corridor, between the state warehouse and Umezuruike Hospital, was reclaimed from encroachers.

In another significant enforcement action, the Samuel Njamanze Memorial Primary School, located at the Old Stadium and illegally converted into a market, was reclaimed. Traders and illegal occupants were served notice, with demolition of illegal structures scheduled to begin after the expiration of the eviction deadline.

Furthermore, the team stormed the premises of MOPOL 18, located off Onitsha Road and opposite Graceland Estate, where unknown individuals were found developing an estate on government land without any formal authorization. The site was marked for demolition, with a seven-working-day notice issued to provide valid documentation or face forcible removal.

The Imo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, has reiterated its unwavering commitment to reclaiming and protecting all public assets in line with the rule of law and the state’s development blueprint. According to officials, this renewed recovery effort will be sustained until all illegally acquired government properties are fully recovered.

The government has advised all individuals and groups currently in possession of any state-owned land or structure to come forward with legitimate documentation or risk immediate sanctions.