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Tag: Akure Airport

  • Akure Airport denies ‘bandits invasion’ as police boss directs maximum protection of facility

    Akure Airport denies ‘bandits invasion’ as police boss directs maximum protection of facility

    The management of Akure Airport in Oba Ile Local Government Area of Ondo State has denied reports alleging that bandits invaded the facility.

    The clarification followed rumours circulating on social media claiming that suspected bandits had infiltrated the local airport and were planning to wreak havoc.

    The development sparked anxiety among residents and air travellers using the airport.

    Recall that the Akure Airport – now known as Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu Airport – was among the 15 airports renamed by the federal government two years ago.

    Speaking on Wednesday, the Airport Manager, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Adebiyi, assured residents and air travellers that the facility remains safe and secure.

    Adebiyi, who spoke during the visit of the State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, on a fact-finding mission to the airport, described the claim of a bandits’ invasion as false and misleading.

    She added that no incidents of banditry have been recorded at the airport, reiterating that passenger safety remains a top priority.

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    “We wish to assure travellers and residents that Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu Airport is fully secure. The viral post is unfounded, and operations continue as normal,” the airport manager said.

    However, Mrs. Adebiyi clarified that the airport’s main security concern has been the incursion of herders and cattle into restricted operational areas.

    Flanked by the Airport Chief of Security (ACoS) of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Akure Chapter, Benneth Iwuchukwu, she commended the cooperation of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oba-Ile Division in maintaining airport security.

    In his remarks, CP Lawal said the police remain on guard and will continue to protect the facility, as well as the lives and property of citizens in the state.

    He also directed the DPO and airport officials to hold a meeting with leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association to forestall future encroachments.

    The Commissioner of Police later inspected the airport’s perimeter fence, identifying points where herders had previously gained unauthorised access.

  • Flights grounded as rainstorm destroys Akure Airport equipment

    Flights grounded as rainstorm destroys Akure Airport equipment

    Flights have been grounded at the Akure Airport following the destruction of some vital equipment by a rainstorm.

    Sources at the airport said equipment was destroyed at the control tower and engineering unit.

    It was gathered that equipment such as network time protocol, encoder, Air conditioners, computers and other equipment in the control tower were destroyed in Monday’s Rainstorm.

    According the source, “Monday’s thunderstorm really damaged many equipment inside the control tower, the windows were smashed while the ceiling also caved in.

    “If you go round the airport, many buildings, including staff quarters, were affected. Seven buildings housing airport staff had their roofs removed as a result of the heavy rainstorm.

    “With the development, all commercial flights have been grounded until further notice by the airport authority pending the repairs of damaged equipment”.

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    An official of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) who pleaded anonymity said the control tower and terminal buildings were affected.

    The heavy downpour wreaked havoc on homes, schools, churches, at Eleyewo, Ilu Abo, Bolorunduro, and other communities in Akure North Local Government Area.

    Roofs of many schools were ripped off.

    A victim, Mr. Lukmon Haruna, said he watched helplessly as his business premises were destroyed.

    “It was just too heavy, and we couldn’t salvage anything while the downpour lasted. Over 20 houses and churches were destroyed by the rain. So, we are begging Mr. Governor (Lucky Aiyedatiwa) and other philanthropists to assist us,” he lamented.