The community leaders debunked the insinuation that they are opposing the proposed airstrip project in their community by the Nigerian government, describing the insinuations as false.
The leaders of Nsulu Community in Isiala-Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, represented by the Village Heads of Host, have accused Governor Alex Otti’s administration of land-grabbing under the guise of the proposed Abia Airport project.
The community leaders debunked the insinuation that they are opposing the proposed airstrip project in their community by the Nigerian government, describing the insinuations as false.
In a press statement issued by their Chairman, Engr. Ikechukwu Uche, the community leaders noted that what they strongly reject is the actions of the Abia State Government, to forcibly acquire their land.
Other signatories to the release include Gabriel Echozolam (Village Head, Umuezenta Nbawsi), Chimaobi Okaka (Village Head, Umuosu Nsulu), and Isaac Frank (Village Head, Umulenwa Nbawsi Nsulu).
“What the people of Nsulu are opposing is the fraudulent and forceful double acquisition of their lands by the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti,” Uche stated.
He explained that the landowners had held multiple meetings and concluded that the project is a deceptive attempt by the state government to take control of Nsulu farmlands and homes.
Uche referred to a prior land acquisition by the Abia State government under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, during which land was already acquired and a Certificate of Occupancy issued for the airport project.
He pointed out that the site had already passed the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and that all bureaucratic obstacles had been resolved.
The landowners had previously raised concerns with Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff to Governor Otti, about why the original site was abandoned in favour of a new one, which also lies within Nsulu land.
The community members questioned why the new site, which is surrounded by residential buildings, was chosen over the original location, which was free of such encumbrances.
To date, they claim the Abia State Government has not adequately addressed these concerns.
Uche further criticized the Abia State Government’s proposal for an ‘Abia Airport,’ highlighting plans for a five-star hotel, an airport estate, a school, and an air force base.
This, he argued, suggests that the project may be more of a private enterprise than a public infrastructure initiative, and that the government has failed to provide clear justification for the new land acquisition.
The landowners also expressed frustration with the government’s decision to engage with representatives who do not have a stake in the land being acquired.
They pointed out that the government only initiated discussions with the community three weeks after the project was launched by the aviation minister, Festus Keyamo.
According to them, another meeting on January 11, 2025, resulted in a number of resolutions, including, “A reduction in the proposed land area from 1,800 hectares to 1,300 hectares”.
Concerns about displacement and loss of livelihoods were acknowledged.
They further noted, “The government pledged to work with the community to resolve concerns, including identifying actual landowners and possibly reducing the land to be acquired.
“The government also committed to timely compensation and involving landowners in the development process. A joint team will be formed to complete surveys and identify the land affected.”
However, the landowners accused the state government’s negotiation team of bad faith, saying that instead of acting on previously agreed-upon resolutions, the government reportedly initiated fresh discussions with stakeholders who have no direct connection to the land in question.
“We, the stakeholders and landowners of the Nsulu site forcibly acquired by the Otti-led government, fully support the Federal Government’s proposal to establish an airstrip in our community.
“However, we categorically reject any attempts to evict us from our ancestral lands and homes,” Uche stated, emphasizing that the government’s actions have damaged trust and could lead to future conflict in the community.