Pirates operating on the waterways of Akwa Ibom have reportedly seized no fewer than 10 outboard engines valued at over N3 million each from distraught fishermen in the coastal communities of Mbo local government area of the state.
Speaking through their lawyer, the Fishermen Multipurpose Association (FMA) at the Ibaka beach waterfront in Mbo LGA, Barrister Oluwajuwon Ogunbiyi, they called on government and relevant security agencies to intensify action against the menace as the union has threatened to down tools.
The lawyer who blamed both the federal and state governments of doing nothing to curtail militants, said there had been an upsurge in pirates’ attacks on fishermen, leading to forfeiture of their catches and cash on daily basis.
Ogunbiyi said: “In the last few days more than 10 outboard engines have been seized by militants who are majorly indigenes of the area.
“It is a pathetic situation and disheartening seeing how helpless the fishermen are in the face of barbaric attacks from non-state actors who are hellbent on frustrating them.
“The federal and Akwa Ibom state governments have refused to do anything to curtail the excesses of these militants. Governor Umo Eno had not found it compelling to meet with fishermen since he assumed office.”
While calling on governments at all levels not to play politics with security issues, the lawyer called on the state governor, Pastor Umo Éno, to sit down with the fishermen and security agencies to proffer lasting solutions to the crisis.
State police spokesman, SP Odiko Macdon, admitted security challenges on the waterways, but could not ascertain the number of the outboard engines seized in the last one week.
