Gunmen suspected to be sea pirates have again attacked fishermen in a riverine community in Akwa Ibom State leaving many injured.
It was gathered that more than 10 Yamaha engines and 40 horsepower outboard engines were snatched at gunpoint on Saturday in Itanwa area of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area when the sea pirates attacked.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said on Sunday, “More than 10 Yamaha, 40 horsepower outboard engines were snatched at gunpoint from fishermen in Itanwa axis of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of the state today (Saturday).
“Some fishermen were brutalised while others sustained injuries. They (the pirates) came in a speed boat with double 200 horsepower engines.”
The recurrent attacks and abduction of fishermen in the past one year led the fishermen, under the auspices of Watchout Cooperative Society Ibaka, to recently stage a protest, calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to secure the waterways.
The fishermen enjoyed some respite last week Saturday after a joint operation by the Nigeria Navy and the police in Mbo Local Government Area in Ibaka which saw the arrest of two suspects and recovery of four outboard engines and several firearms.
When the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon, was contacted on the matter, he said the command is yet to be informed about the incident in Ikot Abasi, but added that he would find out what actually happened.
“I am not aware of that information yet, but I will investigate,” he said.
