The militants (MEND) have been attacking the oil wealth of Nigeria`s Niger Delta, making the capital of Delta State, Port Harcourt, a no-go area for expatriates.
And where did I find himself recently? PORT HARCOURT airport! After a scary flight on a Dash 8,I landed at an airfield close to the city center. There awaiting me was a helicopter which whisked me 5 minutes across the city to the offices of the oil company.
After being greeted by my host at the compound`s heliport, I enquired as to why they bother with choppers for such a short journey. The reply was short and to the point. A journey on the ground through the city was likely to end in captivity.
The following morning the heavens opened and we were told that no helicopters were in service in such dangerous conditions. We are going back to the airport BY CAR.We were put in a bullet proof car with a police escort and whisked through the city, not stopping for anything, darting round traffic jams, through red lights and delivered safely into the arms of the check in desk clerk. |
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