Tragedy has struck the Logara community in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State following the brutal rape and murder of a pregnant woman near the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (SMICA), Owerri. The victim, identified as Mrs. Chinwendu Amadi, was reportedly attacked by unknown assailants while returning home from her petty trading business within the airport premises.
Her lifeless body was discovered over the weekend in a bushy area near the airport’s runway, sparking outrage within the community and raising concerns over the lack of security at the facility. According to reports, the expectant mother was violently raped and stabbed multiple times before being left naked in the bush.
The tragic incident has prompted the youths of the airport’s host community, under the aegis of Onyeaghalanwanneya Youths Movement (OYM), to issue a stern warning to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The group has threatened to shut down airport operations if urgent steps are not taken to improve security and prevent further attacks on the local population.
Chief Martin Opara, President General of Logara community, expressed the community’s frustration over the poor security around the airport, demanding answers from the authorities. “The security around the airport must explain to us what happened to this innocent woman. They cannot continue to occupy our land without providing adequate security,” he said. He also criticized FAAN for neglecting to develop the land around the airport, which has been left overgrown and prone to criminal activities.
The OYM, represented by its president, Comrade Chukwuma Anuforo, echoed these sentiments, accusing FAAN of operating the airport with inadequate security, thereby endangering the lives of community members and travelers. Anuforo demanded that FAAN address the community’s concerns within one week or face a complete shutdown of the airport.
“Governor Hope Uzodimma has taken steps to light up the airport’s runway, but the lack of night guards has allowed criminals to steal the lights and equipment,” Anuforo lamented. He further called for the construction of a hospital to serve the host community and demanded that local women be allowed to farm on the unused airport land to help keep the area clear of criminals.
The community has vowed not to let the death of Mrs. Amadi go unpunished, calling on FAAN to take immediate and serious action. “We cannot allow this death to be in vain. If FAAN does nothing, we will occupy the airport and stop operations,” Anuforo warned.
The incident has not only intensified tensions between the airport authorities and the local community but has also raised questions about the overall security at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport. As the community mourns, there are growing calls for the airport management to take responsibility for the tragedy and ensure that such a horrific crime never happens again.
