Passengers flying from Benin Airport in Edo on Monday voiced concerns over extensive physical searches, which they attributed to faulty security scanners. Travelers reported that the manual frisking process created a security vulnerability, suggesting that weapons could be easily smuggled onto aircraft.
One passenger stated, "The way people are physically searched, show that somebody can easily smuggle weapons into the planes." Another traveler, returning home from an international visit, expressed dismay, remarking, "I don’t live in Nigeria. I came to see my people for about a month now, and am on my way to Lagos, from where I will transit to my place of residence abroad. What is going on here should not happen in this century." The passenger added that the "frisking itself is absurd," noting that some fellow travelers intend to use Asaba airport in the future and then travel to Benin by road.
Security Concerns and Passenger Frustration
A passenger described the situation as unacceptable for the current century and urged the Federal Government to investigate the responsible parties, stating, "I think the Federal Government should question those involved, as such breakdown should be given utmost priority." The traveler also noted that "the frisking itself is absurd," leading some passengers to resolve to use Asaba airport for future journeys and then travel to Benin by road. Many travelers discussed the widespread issues, with some indicating they would opt for Asaba airport on their next trip, connecting to Benin via road.
Mr. Friday Iyare characterized Benin Airport as a "huge security risk," emphasizing that "Something must be done and fast." He further asserted there is "no justification for all airport scanners to be out of order," acknowledging that a single breakdown might be understandable, but not a complete failure across all units. Iyare described the situation as "sad and must be addressed."
When questions arose regarding the faulty scanners and passenger complaints, Mrs. Uju Okafor, the Public Relations Officer for the airport manager, stated that the airport manager, Mr. Felix Akinbinu, was unavailable for comment. Mrs. Okafor subsequently declined to offer any remarks on the inoperable scanners or the measures, if any, being taken to address the situation.
Expert and Official Perspectives
Airport workers, speaking anonymously, indicated that the security scanners at Benin Airport have been inoperative for an extended period, necessitating the manual frisking of passengers. This reliance on physical searches has raised significant concerns among travelers regarding security vulnerabilities.
One passenger characterized the airport infrastructure as "rundown" and its security as "deplorable." They noted a football field where youths were playing, separated from the airport by "just a wire fence." The passenger expressed alarm, stating, "Anyone can jump through that field into the airport and anything can happen. There is need for the airport authority to sit up." This observation shows perceptions of a broader lack of security measures beyond the inoperable scanners.
Calls for Action and Alternative Plans
A passenger characterized the absence of operational scanners as a significant security risk, allowing for the potential smuggling of dangerous items. "The way people are physically searched, show that somebody can easily smuggle weapons into the planes," the passenger stated. Another traveler expressed shock upon encountering the lack of scanners while preparing to board a flight to Abuja. "I don’t live in Nigeria. I came to see my people for about a month now, and am on my way to Lagos, from where I will transit to my place of residence abroad. What is going on here should not happen in this century," the individual remarked. They urged that the Federal Government investigate those responsible, stating, "I think the Federal Government should question those involved, as such breakdown should be given utmost priority." The traveler also noted, "The frisking itself is absurd. In fact, most of us discussed it and some resolved to use the Asaba airport next time and then, transit from there to Benin by road." Additionally, a passenger described the airport itself as "rundown" with "deplorable" security, pointing out a nearby football field "where youths were playing football with just a wire fence separating it from the airport." The passenger warned, "Anyone can jump through that field into the airport and anything can happen. There is need for the airport authority to sit up."
