Four Feared Kidnapped In A’Ibom Fishing Community

Four persons have been reportedly kidnapped near a naval base by suspected sea pirates in Ibaka, a fishing community in Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom state.

Sources said the incident occurred on Thursday, adding that the abducted persons include three Ghanaians and a Nigerian.

Ogunbiyi Oluwajuwon, a lawyer close to the victims, disclosed that the hoodlums are demanding N2.5 million as ransom

Oluwajuwon said the hoodlums attacked four separate boats and carted away their outboard engines in an operation that lasted for several hours.

He said ” On Tuesday 28th September 2021 in the morning fishermen from Ibaka going to sea for fishing were attacked by Sea Pirates just behind the Nigerian Navy FOB base in ibaka waterways and operated for hours.

“They attacked four separate boats and carted away their Outboard Engines and kidnapped 4 persons amongst them are 3 Ghanaian and 1 Nigerian who are currently in their custody.

“The kidnappers are demanding for N2.5m before they can be released”

Oluwajuwon, who lamented that the attack on fishermen by Sea pirates, was becoming a daily occurrence said that some fishermen have stopped going to sea for fear of being kidnapped

“Last week more than 5 boats were attacked and over 7 persons were kidnapped, it took the payment of N4m before they were released.

“The activities of these sea pirates have crippled the Ibaka fishing Community and its environs as fishermen could not go for fishing due to fear of being attacked.

“In Ibeno last week more than 10 outboard engines were seized by the sea pirates. The Akwa Ibom waterways are no longer safe again,” he lamented.

Oluwajuwon claimed that the Police Anti kidnapping unit is aware of development adding that they have also written to the DSS on the matter

However, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon when contacted for comments, said he did not have such information on his table.

“I don’t have any such information yet,” Macdon simply stated.