Abonema Residents Decry Criminal Attacks On Waterways

Some residents of Abonema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers on Tuesday decried the spate of criminal attacks on passengers on the waterways.
The residents who with newsmen in Abonema said that the situation had made commercial boat drivers to suspend their operations.
They called on the state government and the security agencies to come to their aid to avoid total collapse of social and economic activities in the area.
Mr Roger David-Whyte said that the attacks occurred on regular basis and had instilled fears in the minds of many persons.

Some residents of Abonema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers on Tuesday decried the spate of criminal attacks on passengers on the waterways.
The residents who with newsmen in Abonema said that the situation had made commercial boat drivers to suspend their operations.
They called on the state government and the security agencies to come to their aid to avoid total collapse of social and economic activities in the area.
Mr Roger David-Whyte said that the attacks occurred on regular basis and had instilled fears in the minds of many persons.
“It is difficult to go to other communities within the area to buy foodstuff and other items needed by the people, the local economy is already affected,’’ he said.
Another resident, Miss Ibiso Princewill, who said that she had been a victim of such attacks, said that it was worrisome that it had continued without any intervention by relevant authorities.
“Anybody boarding a boat to pass through the route stays is in fear until the journey is over; this is not good at all.
“Passengers are beaten up, their belongings and money taken away and all sorts of harm meted to them,’’ she said.
Speaking also, Mr Femi Peters, the Abonema branch Chairman of the Maritime Workers’ Union, confirmed that boat drivers on the route had stopped operation.
“We have raised alarm several times; nothing positive has happened; so we think it is safer to stay away from work,’’ he said.
Peters also called on the security agencies to provide adequate security on the waterways in order to protect the lives and property of the users.