On Tuesday, June 25, women from the Ipo Community in Rivers State staged a significant protest by blocking the entrance to Port Harcourt International Airport. The demonstrators were voicing their frustrations over the persistent lack of power supply and other essential amenities in their community.

This is the second protest within three months from the Ipo community members, highlighting their escalating dissatisfaction. The women arrived at the airport’s main entrance in Omagwa around 7 am, carrying placards and singing in their local dialect.

Their messages demanded better treatment as a host community, access to electricity, and recognition of their citizens’ rights. Placards bore statements such as, “We deserve better treatment as host community,” “We demand our citizens’ rights,” “We want electricity in our community,” and “Ipo women peaceful protest.”

The protest created a significant traffic jam, disrupting access to the airport for passengers.

The women pointed out that despite being the host community for the airport for many years, they have not received corresponding benefits, including adequate food supplies and educational facilities.

This latest demonstration follows a similar protest on March 27, where the women were temporarily appeased by Sergeant Awuse, the former Chairman of the Rivers Traditional Rulers Council.

However, with their demands still unmet, the community members felt compelled to take action once again.