The Imo State Government has begun total demolition of all unauthorized structures and occupants on government designated areas across the state, insisting that the Imo State Housing Corporation is not authorized to allocate any portion of government land for private use.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Mornitoring and Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri while addressing some journalists said that investigation carried out by his office revealed that some individuals have been illegally occupying government verges, presenting backdated and fraudulent allocation letters as purported evidence of ownership.
He hinted that there are some documents currently being brandished by individuals claiming ownership of plots
at Aladinma Garden Estate.
Nwaneri maintained that government official report has confirmed that such allocation does not have legal backing, as the verge is a public land purposely reserved for utility easements and road buffer and cannot be lawfully allocated for personal or commercial purposes by any agency of government, including the Imo Housing Corporation.
“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.”; he said.
The Special Adviser to the Governor emphasized that any structure or development encroaching on verges is deemed illegal and will be demolished without further notice.
He advised members of the public not to patronize touts or fraudulent officials claiming to offer legitimate allocation papers for such lands.
Nwaneri added that all individuals and business owners currently occupying government verges are directed to vacate such areas with immediate effect, warning that failure to comply will result in forceful eviction and possible prosecution for illegal possession and obstruction of government property.
“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.
“The Imo State Government will continue to uphold the rule of law and urban order and will not tolerate any actions that undermine its infrastructural investment and developmental efforts.”;he added.
He enjoined residents to report suspicious allocations or unauthorized activities on government reserved areas to his office or the Imo State Ministry of Lands.
