Residents of eight communities in Abia State have staged a protest against the government’s plan to build an airport on their ancestral land.
The protest took place on Saturday at Umuezenta, Umuomaunta Mbawsi Nsulu, with participants ranging from youths to elderly villagers.
They expressed their frustration and vowed to resist the project, which they believe will destroy their farmlands and livelihoods.
Many of the protesters carried placards, chanting slogans against the proposed development.
Speaking on behalf of the communities, the village head of Umuezenta, Mr. Ukaumunna Echezolam, criticized the state government for not consulting the right stakeholders before making the decision.
“They did not speak to the true custodians of this land,” Echezolam said.
He emphasized that the land is vital to the community’s survival, as farming is their primary means of livelihood.
According to him, previous administrations in Abia State have taken land from these communities without providing any tangible benefits.
He cited projects like the Nsulu Games Village and the Ntigha Inland Dry Port (IDP) in Isiala-Ngwa North as examples of government developments that took land but left the people with little in return.
Despite requests for dialogue, Echezolam made it clear that the communities are not open to negotiation.
“There will be no compromise,” he said firmly.
He also pointed out that basic amenities are still lacking in the area, making it difficult for the people to trust the government’s promises.
“Our people still don’t have clean water or good roads,” he added.
Echezolam also questioned the involvement of younger community members in the decision-making process, stating that elders and traditional leaders should have been consulted.
“Youths whose fathers are still alive cannot decide for the community,” he noted.
The protest has sparked mixed reactions among residents and commentators.
While some urged the government to respect the wishes of the communities, others believe the project will ultimately benefit the state.
One commenter on social media expressed sympathy for the protesters, urging the government to find alternative sites.
“Abia State Government should please respect the wishes of these people,” the commenter wrote.
Another person argued that resistance to land projects is common but often fades over time.
“There is always resistance whenever land is involved in Igboland, but the community will later come on board,” they said.
As of the time of this report, the Abia State government has not officially responded to the protests.
The proposed airport is seen as a major project that could boost economic activities in the region.
However, the affected communities argue that they have already sacrificed enough land for government initiatives.
The ongoing standoff highlights the broader issue of land use and compensation in Nigeria, where communities often feel shortchanged by development projects.
Observers believe that proper consultation and fair compensation are key to resolving such conflicts.
For now, the tension between the government and the communities remains high, with both sides standing their ground.
Whether dialogue can ease the tensions or escalate into further protests remains to be seen.
