Flights disrupted at P/Harcourt Airport as host communities protest

The people of Omagwa and Ipo communities in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State yesterday barricaded the entrance of the Port Harcourt International Airport located in their area protesting lack of power supply and other amenities. The protest disrupted flight operations as several travellers are stranded, especially those trying to access the facility, just […]

The people of Omagwa and Ipo communities in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State yesterday barricaded the entrance of the Port Harcourt International Airport located in their area protesting lack of power supply and other amenities.

The protest disrupted flight operations as several travellers are stranded, especially those trying to access the facility, just as the situation has caused a gridlock stretching from the Airport Road down to adjoining communities.

The protesters who trooped out as early as 7am on Wednesday lamented that despite hosting the International Airport and suffering from noise pollution daily, they are not paid any form of compensation and no good schools in the area.

One of the protesters who gave his name as Peter Oki, accused the Airport Authorities of neglect, saying, “We in Omagwa and Ipo don’t have light for over ten years. We want compensation for the noise pollution coming from the Airport every day. We are tired. That is why we are here. “

The protesters, mostly women, carried tree branches, singing local songs and wielding placards, decrying the absence of federal support, particularly in providing basic amenities.

The blockade prevented many travelers from accessing the airport, disrupting flight schedules and leaving departing, arriving passengers, and airport workers stranded.

Vehicular movement within the airport environment was impossible.

However, it took the intervention of two traditional title holders in the community for the protesters to leave the airport gate to allow for movement within the area.