Akwa Ibom: Pirates attack fishermen, steal 50 boat engines

Suspected sea pirates at the weekend attacked fishermen at Uta Ewa community Ikot Abasi Local Government Area (LGA) of Akwa Ibom state.

It was gathered that scores of fishermen were severely injured while more than 10 Yamaha engines and 40 horsepower outboard engines were snatched at gunpoint by the assailants.

Fishermen at Ibaka in Mbo LGA have also suffered deadly attacks and even abductions by sea pirates in recent times.

The fishermen under the auspices of Watchout Cooperative Society Ibaka, recently staged a protest march, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to secure the waterways.

Respite came their way two Saturdays ago after the Navy and the police attached to Mbo LGA, in a joint operation in the Ibaka area, arrested two suspects and recovered four outboard engines and several firearms hidden underground.

A source in Uyo said that the latest attack on Sunday occurred when the militants stormed the high seas in a speed boat with double 200 horsepower engines and dispossessed their victims of their belongings.

“More than ten Yamaha, 40 horsepower outboard engines were snatched at gunpoint from the fishermen in Itanwa axis of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of the state today (Saturday). Some fishermen were brutalised while others sustained varying degrees of injuries. They (the Sea pirates) came in a speed boat with double 200 horsepower engines,”, the source added.

However, when contacted, the Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon said the command was yet to be informed about the incident in Ikot Abasi, but added that he would find out what happened.

“I am not aware of that information yet, but I will investigate,” Macdon said.

Suspected sea pirates at the weekend attacked fishermen at Uta Ewa community Ikot Abasi Local Government Area (LGA) of Akwa Ibom state.

It was gathered that scores of fishermen were severely injured while more than 10 Yamaha engines and 40 horsepower outboard engines were snatched at gunpoint by the assailants.

Fishermen at Ibaka in Mbo LGA have also suffered deadly attacks and even abductions by sea pirates in recent times.

(The Nation)