The Imo State Government has commenced a comprehensive demolition exercise targeting unauthorized structures and illegal occupants on government designated areas across the state. Officials have emphasized that the Imo State Housing Corporation lacks authority to allocate any portion of government land for private use.
Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, revealed that investigations conducted by his office uncovered individuals illegally occupying government verges while presenting backdated and fraudulent allocation letters as evidence of ownership.
Fraudulent Land Allocations Exposed
Nwaneri specifically highlighted documents being circulated by individuals claiming ownership of plots at Aladinma Garden Estate. According to official government reports, these allocations lack legal backing as the verges in question are public lands reserved for utility easements and road buffers.
"The government is committed to preserving the integrity of its urban planning and infrastructure. The ongoing occupation of verges not only violates land use regulations but also obstructs the natural right of way for water to flow, leading to flooding and accelerating deterioration of our newly reconstructed roads," Nwaneri stated.
Immediate Evacuation Order
The Special Adviser emphasized that any structure encroaching on government verges is deemed illegal and will be demolished without further notice. All individuals and business owners currently occupying such areas have been directed to vacate immediately or face forceful eviction and possible prosecution.
"Government verges are not meant for private development, kiosks, or recreational businesses. They are critical to road safety, drainage flow, and infrastructure sustainability. Blocking these spaces is not only a violation of State policy but an assault on public interest," he added.
The government has warned the public against patronizing touts or fraudulent officials claiming to offer legitimate allocation papers for such lands. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious allocations or unauthorized activities on government reserved areas to the Special Adviser's office or the Imo State Ministry of Lands.
Nwaneri concluded that the Imo State Government will continue to uphold the rule of law and urban order, and will not tolerate actions that undermine its infrastructural investment and developmental efforts.
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