Scores of passengers and airport workers were stranded early this morning at the Port Harcourt International airport, Omagwa as local residents blocked the entrance gate into the airport.
According to an eye witness account, the protesters mostly women, carried tree branches, singing local songs and wield placards decrying the absence of federal support, particularly in providing basic amenities.
Messages on the placards highlight grievances such as insufficient infrastructure and lack of compensation for noise pollution.
One protester voices the enduring neglect experienced by the community over the years.
She emphasizes the scarcity of electricity and the dire need for employment opportunities, especially for the youths.
“We no get light, we no get school, we no get network, no water, nothing, nothing wey we get, no market. Our children, dey no dey give them work, how our children go, go school finish, e no go get work and nah we get airport”.
The blockade prevents 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.
As at the time of filing in this report, passengers and airport workers were seen going about their normal activities within and outside the airport environment.
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