Aggrieved Farmers have taken to the major road leading to the Cargo Airport at the outskirts of Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State in the early hours of Thursday, in their bid to ensure compensation was paid to them for their lands and farm produce destroyed in the course of building the airstrips.
The farmers numbering about 100 used iron bars, big sticks and set fire to tyres and made the road unaccessible to the people.
The visibly angry farmers accused Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of shortchanging them and depriving them of their rights and entitlements.
Remember that the agitation has started since February, 2022, when some old men and women who were original land and farm owners complained bitterly that their lands and farm produce were destroyed to pave way for the airport.
The leader of the farmers, Mr. Peter Ishola said they have written the Governor, House of Assembly and even stage a walk to Secretariat to plead with the state governor to no avail.
As early as 6:00 am, the protesters in their numbers blocked the Ago Aduloju road leading to the airport and later the major road linking Ado and Ikare Akoko, Ondo state.
The trucks conveying the workers to the site were stopped at Ago Aduloju and denied entry.
Some of the workers who tried to walk down to the site were also stopped while traffic built up down to the Ogbese bridge as commuters were seen turning back following the major roadblock.
One of the Chinese contractors who came in company of some soldiers guarding the airport tried his best to calm the farmers but his efforts proved abortive.
When contacted, state Commissioner for Information, Mr Akin Omole who spoke through a phone call said he would get across to the appropriate bodies in charge of the project who will see to the grievances of the protesting farmers.
Olaniyi Alade
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