Passengers were stranded at Port Harcourt International Airport on Wednesday as major flights were disrupted by an ongoing protest by residents of Omagwa and Ipo towns in Rivers State’s Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The demonstration, which took place near the airport’s gate, was sparked by concerns over a shortage of power and other vital services in the communities that host the international airport.
The demonstrators, numbering in big masses and gathering as early as 7 a.m., barred the airport entrance, halting flight operations.
As a result, passengers were left stranded, and traffic congestion extended from the Airport Road to nearby towns.
The protesters voiced their frustration, citing a lack of compensation despite enduring regular noise pollution from the airport.
Oki, one of the protesters, lamented the neglect of their communities by airport authorities.
“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,” she said.
