Hoodlums convert Imo abandoned buildings to hideouts

By Sampson Uhuegbu

 In the heart of Owerri, Imo State’s once-vibrant Capital, Relics of ambitious Projects now rot under the weight of neglect.

The imposing Akachi Tower—meant to stand as a symbol of Unity—now looms like a Specter of Decay. Overrun by Scrap Scavengers and Drug Users, it is no longer a monument but a menace.

Across Town, the deserted Garden Park parking lots echo with ghostly silence by day and chilling activity by night. Residents whisper of assault, rape, and theft—unspeakable acts committed in the shadows of structures long abandoned by Government and owners alike.

This is not just Urban decay. It is a crisis of public safety, dignity, and failed Governance.

A walk through Owerri Municipal reveals a disturbing trend—buildings that were once earmarked for Cultural Tourism, Transportation, or administrative purposes now serve a much darker function.

“These places have become Criminal Command Centers,” says Chief James Ndubuisi, a Landlord in Owerri. “The Tower, the parks—these are not Monuments anymore. They are shelters for Miscreants and Predators.”

At Akachi Tower, Locals say entire sections of Iron Rods and Metals have been ripped out by Scavengers. Some are sold for Scrap; others, simply gone. Most of these Scavengers live inside the properties—rent-free, unchecked, and unregistered.

Victims Speak: “I Thought I Would Die That Night”

Ngozi (not her real name), a 22-year-old salon apprentice, recounts a harrowing tale from the park area:

“I was on my way home. It was early evening. Two men dragged me behind the concrete structure. They tried to cover my mouth. I fought, I screamed. A Busimo Driver heard me and rushed over. That’s the only reason I’m here to tell this story.”

She has not returned to work since. Her case is one of many.

A Community Health Volunteer at a Rape Crisis Center confirmed they’ve treated over 15 similar cases from around Owerri’s abandoned sites since January 2025.

Behind the Iron Trade, the Scrap, Squatters, and Syndicates, many of the men who reside in these properties identify as Scrap Collectors. But some Residents and Police Officers believe there’s more to the story.

A senior police source, requesting anonymity, told this magazine:

“We’ve caught men with machetes and drugs. Some are from far northern states. We suspect they’re coordinated. They know which buildings are vulnerable and they strip them in days. Iron rods, gates, staircases — everything is for sale.”

The connection between illegal occupation and rising Urban Crime is unmistakable. Yet, little is being done to interrupt the chain.

Experts Blame Policy Failure and Political Apathy on why hasn’t the Government acted?

Urban development expert, Professor Chuka Ibe of Imo State University, says it’s a combination of bureaucratic fatigue and unclear property Policies.

“We lack a clear framework for dealing with derelict buildings. The Government needs to create and Enforce Laws that allow demolition or compulsory repurposing of abandoned sites—especially those causing public harm.”

Inside the Government’s Silence

Efforts to get a comment from the Imo State Urban Development Agency (ISUDA) were unsuccessful.

However, a mid-level staffer acknowledged that several petitions have been received about Akachi Tower and other sites. The matter, they said, “is under review.”

     People are dying. Girls are being raped. What is there to review?” asks Mrs. Uju Okoronkwo, a Trader who lives near one of the Hotspots. “They can demolish Churches and Shops quickly, but when it’s a Crime Site, they go blind?”

Generally, many Residents in Owerri Municipal agree that, there are solutions That Can’t Wait!

Experts and Civil Groups propose urgent, actionable steps: Demolish Irredeemable Structures, particularly those with confirmed criminal activities, Public Land: Convert some sites into Youth Centers, Vocational Hubs, or housing Projects, Fence and Light Abandoned Properties to prevent squatting and increase surveillance, Register All Scrap Vendors through Local Councils, with housing regulation and ID verifications and strengthen Community Watch Programs.