March 27, (THEWILL) – Residents of Omagwa and Ipo communities, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, took to the streets on Wednesday, to barricade the entrance of the Port Harcourt International Airport, over lack of electricity, neglect of their communities, as well as noise pollution.
Numbering over a hundred, the protesters blocked the entrance of the airport as early as 7 am, resulting in traffic gridlock stretching from the Airport Road to nearby communities.
They expressed frustration over the absence of power supply for over a decade, despite hosting the international airport and enduring daily noise pollution.
While lamenting the lack of adequate educational facilities in the area, the demonstrators all dressed in black, demanded compensation for noise pollution.
“We in Omagwa and Ipo haven’t had 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”, Oki, one of the protesters, said.
A source inside the airport said, “While arrivals weren’t affected, flights couldn’t depart because the passengers were prevented from getting into the airport itself. The disruption lasted till about 8 am after which the gates were opened.”
Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Sergeant Awuse, addressed the women and promised them that he would personally come with the airport management team to see to the improvement and development of their community.
He further requested the airport manager set up a team made up of members of the airport management to join him in the community on Friday.
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