The ongoing urban renewal programme of the Imo State government has indeed taken a huge toll on Owerri natives. Since the exercise began, it has been turbulent times for the people as Government bulldozers have not spared their homes.
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A concerned Owerri indigene, Sam Ejiogu posted on facebook the ordeal of Owerri indigenes particularly those whose homes were situated at Ama Jk, off Douglas Road, Owerri were razed down. He recounted how owners of such homes watched their little compounds crumble to the bulldozers of the State government.
During the demolition exercise last week, two graves were said to have been affected and new ones were hurriedly dug up by their loved ones. The staircase of the home of the first Majority Leader of the Imo State House of Assembly, late Nze H.S.K Osuji which was built before Nigeria’s independence was pulled down as well.
A church, the Faith Tabernacle lost the front steps into the church. Neighbours said the congregation now have a herculean task to have access to the Church.
Ejiogu described the demolition as urban mayhem which has really dislocated the residents and natives of Owerri nchi ise who have last year lost their ancestral Eke Ukwu Owerri market which was also demolished amidst outright condemnation by well meaning Imolites..