Flights were grounded at Port Harcourt International Airport in response to a protest by women from the Ipo community in Rivers State’s Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The protesters, all dressed in black, stopped the airport roundabout gate that leads into the complex while holding placards with varied slogans, some of which read: ‘What is our offence?’ ‘Over Seven Years of No NEPA Light,’ ‘No single access to cell network,’ ‘No adequate access routes within the Ipo village,’ and so on.
The situation disrupted flights within the airport for about two to three hours.
A source inside the airport revealed to our correspondent that, “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.”
Amid the noise and commotion, the 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.
Afterwards, the protesting women withdrew and opened the gates to the airport.