Residents of the Umuezukwu Nsulu community, whose lands were acquired for the proposed Abia Airport project, have appealed to the Abia State government to further reduce the land allocated for the project. The community claims the current acquisition leaves them without space for future homes, farmlands, or burial grounds.
Community leader Uche Ubani highlighted the ongoing struggle, noting that the initial land allocation of 1,850 hectares was reduced to 1,550 hectares, sparing neighboring areas like Agburuike, Umuogu, and Ikputu. Other communities, such as Umule, Umuosu, Umuode, and Ubaha, saw reductions of up to 60%, but Umuezukwu’s concerns remain unaddressed. “We urgently request a minimum 500-meter buffer zone from our homes,” Ubani stated.
Ebere Adieze, President General of Umuezukwu, expressed dismay over alleged harassment and intimidation faced by the community for raising their concerns. He refuted claims of agreeing to the land acquisition during a supposed April 24, 2025, meeting with the state’s Attorney General. “Our houses and farmlands are now within the airport boundaries. This isn’t about compensation—it’s about our survival,” Adieze said, emphasizing the community’s agrarian livelihood and fears that future generations will have no land to live on or bury their dead.
The community alleges that multiple letters sent to the state government have gone unanswered. The Abia State Ministry of Lands and Housing has yet to respond to these latest claims, though the government previously stated that compensation for acquired lands was handled transparently.
The Umuezukwu Nsulu community continues to call for dialogue to secure their future amidst the airport development.
