Nsulu Airport Land Dispute Escalates as Abia Govt Allegedly Arrests Youths, Nursing Mothers, Village Heads | #NwokeukwuMascot
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Tensions have reached a boiling point in the Nsulu community of Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State, as landowners decry the state government’s alleged intimidation tactics in the ongoing controversy over land acquisition for the proposed Nsulu Airport project.
In a press statement issued by Azu Ogbuokiri, community members accused the Abia State government of launching a clampdown on dissenting voices, leading to the mass arrest of youths, village elders, and even breastfeeding mothers who peacefully protested the perceived overreach of the project.
Among those reportedly arrested are the traditional head of Umuezenta, Echezola Ukaumunna, and Chinemerem Ikpeama, the youth leader of Umukolo Nbawsi. Their arrest, according to locals, has further inflamed tensions in the already restive community.
The landowners allege that the scope of the proposed airport project has ballooned far beyond the initial 400 hectares earlier disclosed by the government, raising fears of mass displacement and the destruction of entire villages.
They are demanding that the state government scale back the land acquisition to a justifiable size and publish detailed maps clearly outlining the boundaries of the project to ensure transparency and protect their ancestral heritage.
Particularly shocking to many is the arrest of nursing mothers, which has triggered public outrage and drawn sympathy across the state. Eyewitnesses said the women were rounded up while staging a peaceful demonstration near the disputed land.
As of the time of filing this report, the Abia State government has yet to issue an official statement addressing the allegations of arbitrary arrests and intimidation. Multiple efforts to reach state officials for comments were unsuccessful.
However, a government source, speaking anonymously, claimed the arrests were made to maintain public order and prevent potential threats to peace. Despite these justifications, the government’s actions have been widely criticized as oppressive and disproportionate.
The affected communities are calling for the immediate release of the detained villagers, a halt to further arrests, and an open dialogue that considers their rights and interests. They warn that unless the government takes urgent steps to address their concerns, resistance to the airport project may intensify.

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