Rivers Crisis Worsens as Community Women Barricade Airport, Passengers Stranded (Video)

Women from the Ipo community have obstructed access to the Port-Harcourt airport entrance.

As early as 7:30 am on Tuesday, June 25, women from Ipo, a host community of the airport, blocked the gate at the airport roundabout.

As shown in a video shared by @manlike_milton via his social media X handle, the women held placards, sang, wailed, and even set up cooking at the gate.

Their banners included inscriptions such as ‘We demand our Citizen Rights’ and ‘Ipo Women Peaceful Protest’, among others.

Their actions resulted in traffic congestion as passengers were unable to reach the airport.

This marks the second protest by the women this year.

It should be noted that they protested on March 27 this year but were calmed down by the former Chairman of the Rivers Traditional Rulers Council, Sergeant Awuse, as reported by Channel Television.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has cautioned against planned protests by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

In a statement issued on Sunday night, June 23, the police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko stated that the police are aware of the planned protest.

She said:

“The Rivers State Police Command has been made aware of the planned protest by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), scheduled for June 24, 2024.

“While acknowledging and respecting the right to peaceful assembly, the Command has received credible intelligence indicating that this protest may be infiltrated and taken over by criminals intent on causing chaos and disorder within the State.

“As a result, the Command strongly advises the organizers to consider postponing the planned protest to prevent potential lawlessness.
“The Police will take all necessary lawful actions to safeguard the lives and property of all residents in Rivers State.

“The Command is committed to apprehending and prosecuting any individual or group attempting to disrupt peace,” the statement outlined.”

Video below:

It's the community women that blocked the gate
They've refused everybody from entering
both police, army, Civil defense, foreign expatriates and dignitaries from accessing the airport pic.twitter.com/Tyhlc916Ap

— man of valour (@manlike_milton) June 25, 2024