By Daniel Tyokua
Four Abuja indigenous communities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, inb Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), are worried over alleged non compensation for the construction of the second runway, marginalisation and lack of basic infrastructure.
Executive Director, GEI initiative, an NGO, Serah Tukurah, who spoke on behalf of the communities in an interview, said the situation was becoming worrisome.
Tukurah, who is also an indigene of the affected communities said the communities comprises Tungan Kwaso, Tungan Madaki, Kukudabma and Anguwan Kano.
According to her, in spite of their support to successive governments, the authorities have not guaranteed their rights to adequate compensation, basic amenities and sustainable exploitation of their environment.
Recall that last week, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved over N92 billion for the construction of a second runway for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan had also given a similar approval of N63 billion for the construction of a second runway at Abuja Airport at the twilight of his administration, yet the affected communities have not been compensated.
She said there was a sizeable number of indigenous communities at the airport, who were on the verge of extinction because the people had been neglected and marginalised for so long without compensation since the inception of the airport.
“We have been marginalised as the Indigenous people of Abuja, and we are seeking adequate compensation and emancipation, and for us to continue to live in peace, we need basic social amenities.
“We have practically been denied necessities such as water, education, healthcare and infrastructure. Today, about four indigenous native tribes are not only marginalised, but facing serious hardship.”
While calling for urgent action to reverse the negative trend, the organisation urged the people to steer clear of violence and continue to live in peace with other tribes in the nation’s capital.
“Our emancipation won’t be through radical means, but through positive activism,” she added.
