Travellers, Maritime Workers Decry Increasing Pirates’Attacks

Travellers and members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) in Bayelsa State have decried the increasing cases of armed attacks and indiscriminate killings by suspected sea pirates along the waterways of Nembe and Brass areas of the state.
Boat drivers under the MWUN have also planned an emergency meeting to review the situation and possibly go on strike over what they described as “poor”security situation.

Travellers and members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) in Bayelsa State have decried the increasing cases of armed attacks and indiscriminate killings by suspected sea pirates along the waterways of Nembe and Brass areas of the state.
Boat drivers under the MWUN have also planned an emergency meeting to review the situation and possibly go on strike over what they described as “poor”security situation.
Also, the indigenes of coastal communities of Brass and Nembe called on the relevant authorities to step up surveillance operations in their areas.
It was learnt that though the marine component of the state security outfit, Doo Akpo, were deployed in the waterways and creeks by the state government.
Men of the outfit were said to have resorted to escorting passengers and boats leaving the business district of Twon Brass.
It was further learnt that due to the dearth of logistics and personnel for the security outfit, sea pirates were said to be having a field day by attacking passenger boats.
A Civil Rights activist and state Coordinator of the Environmental Right Action, Mr. Morris Alagoa, who confirmed the rising fear along the waterways of the state, described the situation as sad.
Alagoa said the insecurity along the waterways is concentrated along the Brass, Nembe and Southern Ijaw areas of the state.
He said, “While we appreciate the efforts by the state and local government councils, it is important for the authorities to redouble their efforts and put adequate logistics in place.
“Funds should be mobilised to take care of equipment and men to go after the sea pirates.
“Communities habouring these criminals should be identified and turned over to the police and Joint Military Task Force. Also, marine police checkpoints should be beefed up.Those arrested should be prosecuted.The action of these criminals is creating high sense of insecurity and tourism can never strive in such environment. Again, greater parts of Bayelsa is littoral and foreign investment can never be encouraged in the midst of killings and insecurity.”