Residents of Omagwa and Ipo communities in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State took to the streets, barricading the entrance of the Port Harcourt International Airport to protest against the lack of electricity and neglect of their communities.
The protest has led to the disruption of flight operations, leaving air travelers stranded and causing a traffic gridlock stretching from the Airport Road to nearby communities.
Protesters, gathering as early as 7 am on Wednesday, expressed frustration over the absence of power supply for over a decade, despite hosting the international airport and enduring daily noise pollution. They demanded compensation for the noise pollution and highlighted the lack of adequate educational facilities in the area.
Oki, one of the protesters, accused the airport authorities of neglect, stating, “We in Omagwa and Ipo don’t have light for over 10 years. We want compensation for the noise pollution coming from the airport every day. We are tired. That is why we are here.”
