Just in: Sea pirates abduct 4 fishermen

No fewer than four fishermen have been kidnapped by suspected Sea pirates on Thursday in Ibaka, Mbo local government area of the Akwa Ibom state.

It was learnt atleast three Ghanaians and one Nigerian were kidnapped behind the Nigerian Navy, Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Ibaka waterways on their way to fishing expedition in the sea.

A lawyer who represented some of the fishermen, Ogunbiyi Oluwajuwon confirmed the incident.

The lawyer while briefing newsmen in Uyo on Friday said the hoodlums attacked four separate boats and carted away their outboard engines in an operation that lasted for several hours.

Oluwajuwon said, the kidnappers have demanded the sum of N2.5million ransom as condition for their release.

He added ” 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 4 persons amongst them are three Ghanaian and one Nigerian who are currently in their custody. The kidnappers are demanding for the sum of 2.5m before they can be released”

According to Oluwajuwon, pirate attack on fishermen is becoming a daily occurrence in the area, adding that some fishermen have stopped going to Sea for fear of being kidnapped

“Last week more than 5 boats were attacked and over Seven persons were kidnapped. It took the payment of N4million before they were released.

“The activities of these Sea pirates have crippled fishing activities in the Ibaka 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 seized by the sea pirates. The Akwa Ibom waterways are no longer safe again” he lamented.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr .Odiko Macdon when contacted for comments simply responded, “I don’t have any such information yet”