Some representatives from communities affected by the Abia airport project on Wednesday alleged that the state government did not apply transparency and fair treatment in the acquisition of lands for the project.
However, the Abia State government maintains that it transparently and fairly engaged affected communities and paid adequate compensation to landowners.
The community members, who gathered at Umunkolo Civic Hall, carried placards with messages such as “Adequate compensation should be paid to landowners” and “30% discount not acceptable after 10% deduction by attorney,” among others.
They also claimed that the Abia State government’s approach to payments of compensation was not transparent, adding that there is no clarity about the actual size of lands being acquired.
One of the landowners from Umulenwa Mbawsi, Chimaeze Nwabuko, expressed frustration over the process, while a female farmer among the protesters said that they deserved adequate compensation, especially during this farming season.
However, some police officers stationed at the entrance to the airport site who monitored the protest advised the community members to peacefully present their complaints to the state government rather than resorting to protest.
