KIDNAPPING/PIRACY: YOUTHS OF AKWA IBOM COASTAL TOWN PROTEST
Written by Samson Ojeniran on October 4, 2021
Youths from the coastal and fishing community of Ibaka in Mbo LGA of Akwa Ibom state have embarked on peaceful protest against kidnapping and piracy on their waterways.
They call for decisive action from the Federal Government and security agencies to protect them and their only source of livelihood.
The youths alleged that militants and pirates have been terrorising their waterways, kidnapping, robbing and killing their fishermen.
According to a chieftain of fishermen union in the area, Effiong Numah, seven fishermen were kidnapped last week and were released after payment of N3.6m ransom.
A Ghanaian fisherman, George Brown lamented the situation and called for protection from security agencies while a lawyer to the fisherman, Ogunbiyi Olajuwon accuses security agencies of complicity in the matter.
A youth leader, Bassey Etim has threatened that they will quit the fishing business and vacate the community if nothing is done to stop the criminals.
Ibaka is a major host community of the Ibom Deep Seaport and is bordered by the Atlantic ocean with fishing as their major occupation. Their neighbours include Cameroon and Ghana.
Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie
