I just got an email from an Arik Air pilot who wants to remain anonymous. Below is his side of the story about the incident that happened at Abuja airport yesterday. His version below...

Yesterday in Abuja, arik air was to operate a scheduled flight from Abuja to Sokotoat 8am. But the flight was canceled. Passengers got angry and anxious to know when they'll leave Abuja.

Then a bombardier Q400 aircraft was provided to fly them to Sokoto by 1pm. As they boarded, the pilot announced the plane had a snag so he disembarked the Sokoto passengers. Angry passengers got haywire on the ramp where aircraft were parked and hijacked 3 Arik aircraft from taking off. I was to fly to Benin from Abuja 3pm flight. Angry Passengers sat on the foot of the Aircraft blocking Benin passenger from boarding

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Pilots got angry and called it hijacked in an international airport. Another sister aircraft tried to start its engines, and after starting, angry Sokoto passengers stood in front of the aircraft which had started its engines and was about taxiing for take off. We were delayed for over 2hrs. I finally departed benin 5.15pm instead of 3pm. See pic in attachments.
Pilot; First Officer
Arik Air