Sea pirates attack fishermen, kidnap four in Mbo

Ini Billie, Uyo

Gunmen suspected to be sea pirates have allegedly kidnapped four fishermen in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

It was learnt that the victims who comprised three Ghanaians and one Nigerian were kidnapped on Tuesday behind the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka waterways on their way to fishing.

Counsel representing some of the fishermen, Ogunbiyi Oluwajuwon, who spoke to our correspondent in Uyo on Friday, noted that the hoodlums attacked four separate boats and carried away their outboard engines in an operation which lasted several hours.

He added the kidnappers have demanded N2.5 million ransom as a condition for the fishermen released.

He said: “On Tuesday, 28th September 2021 in the morning, fishermen from Ibaka going to sea for fishing were attacked by sea pirates just behind the Nigerian Navy FOB base in Ibaka waterways and operated for hours.

“They attacked four separate boats and carted away their outboard engines and kidnapped four persons, amongst them are three Ghanaians and one Nigerian who are currently in their custody.

“The kidnappers are demanding for the sum of N2.5 million before they can be released.”

Lamenting that the attack on fishermen by sea pirates was becoming a daily occurrence, Oluwajuwon said some fishermen have stopped going to the sea for fear of being kidnapped.

“Last week more than five boats were attacked and over seven persons were kidnapped; it took the payment of N4 million before they were released.

“The activities of these sea pirates have crippled the Ibaka fishing community and its environs as fishermen could not go for fishing due to fear of being attacked.

“In Ibeno last week, more than 10 outboard engines were stolen by the pirates. The Akwa Ibom waterways are no longer safe again.”

When contacted on the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, SP Odiko Macdon, said he was not aware of the incident.

He said: “I don’t have any such information yet.”