Protests Erupt in Abia Over Proposed Airport Project
Tensions have erupted in eight Nsulu communities in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, Abia State, as residents protested the surveying of communal land for a proposed state airport. Led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, a government team was met with resistance from landowners who blocked the commencement of the perimeter survey.
The protesters accused the government of excluding key stakeholders from the planning process. Mr. Ukaumunna Echezolam, the Village Head of Umuezenta, voiced concerns that the project would threaten ancestral lands and the community’s primary livelihood, farming. He pointed out that previous land sacrifices for the Nsulu Games Village and Ntigha Inland Dry Port had not been honored, leaving the communities feeling disillusioned.
“We need time for discussions,” Echezolam said. “We’ve already given too much. Promises were made for past projects, but nothing came of them. Now they want more of our land.”
Criticism also arose over the lack of communication with local leaders and the heavy security presence during the survey attempt, with some community members fearing the land would be seized against their will.
In response, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, assured that extensive consultations had been held with community representatives before the survey began and that proper compensation would be provided in line with the Land Use Act.
Despite these assurances, many residents have expressed a preference for smaller, community-focused development projects, which they believe would offer more immediate benefits to the area.
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