Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has set up a committee headed by Mr Bobby Ekpenyong to look into the increasing cases of piracy in the Calabar channel. Ayade made the announcement in Calabar over a radio station on Sunday afternoon.
The governor said the committee would tackle the menace which had resulted in hijacking of speed boats and kidnapping of passengers into the creeks.
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Two weeks ago, commercial ferry operators plying the Calabar – Oron route raised the alarm over the activities of sea pirates on the waterways.
17 passengers, including a naval personnel, a Professor from University of Calabar whose names were not immediately known, were kidnapped and two speed boats seized.
Governor Ayade commended the efforts of the Nigerian Navy and the marine police in the state. He said the committee was saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the waterway, commuters and fishing operations in the state.
“I must sincerely commend the Nigerian Navy, which has several facilities and presence in Calabar for their security coverage especially in the waterways.
“I have no doubt that the navy and other security agencies will give their support to this committee, which is charged to ensure safety on the water and nib in the bud the issue of kidnapping and hijacking of speed boats,” he said.
Ekpenyong assured that he and his members will discharge their tasks as responsibly as possible.
