Umuomaunta Mbawsi Nsulu Residents in Abia State Protest Airport Project on Ancestral Lands
Abia state, Nigeria – Residents of Umuezenta in Umuomaunta Mbawsi Nsulu staged a protest on Saturday against the Abia State government’s plan to construct an airport on their ancestral land. The demonstration drew a mix of youth and senior citizens from the eight affected communities, who voiced strong opposition to the project due to concerns about the potential destruction of their farmlands.
Local leaders emphasized that the government had not consulted the appropriate representatives before making the decision to locate the airport in their area. Mr. Ukaumunna Echezolam, the village head of Umuezenta, articulated the community’s plight, stating that the airport would jeopardize their primary sources of livelihood. He condemned the government’s history of perceived neglect, which he claimed had left their community lacking essential services.
Echezolam reinforced the community’s stance, indicating that the protest was fueled by the belief that younger individuals who have not experienced the struggles of their ancestors should not make decisions impacting the older generations. When questioned about a potential reconsideration of their position should the government engage with the rightful community members, he firmly stated that there would be no agreement regarding the airport project.
He also pointed out that communities in Nsulu had previously surrendered land for state projects like the Nsulu Games Village and the Ntigha Inland Dry Port in Isiala-Ngwa North Local Government Area, losing significant portions of their territory in the process.
As of the time of this report, the Abia State government had not yet issued a response to the protests.
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