The people of Omagwa and Ipo communities in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State have barricaded the entrance of the Port Harcourt International Airport while protesting lack of power supply and other amenities.
The protest has disrupted flight operations as air travellers are stranded, just as the situation has caused a gridlock stretching from the Airport Road 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 there are no good schools in the area.
One of the protesters, who gave his name as Oki, accused the airport authorities of neglect, saying, “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. ”
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
