How Sea Pirates Terrorise Akwa Ibom Communities & Go Totally Unpunished

Uyo - Sea pirates have invaded fishing settlements in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, stealing clothes, outboard engines, money and maiming residents.

This has been confirmed by dozens of fishermen, who spoke to Punch Metro at Ibaka, Mbo LGA on October 29, 2013, Tuesday.

The embattled residents revealed that the pirates not only seized the fishing areas of the Atlantic Ocean from the fishermen, but had also taken over their settlements.

The affected settlements include Ute Bramah, Okposo, Atabong, Mbughu Unyenge, Afia Ndite, Mbeng Ndonro and Inua Abasi.

Mr. Kenneth Okon, a fisherman, said the occupation of the high seas, by the pirates and the militants in the suburbs, had made the areas dangerous for residents.

Mr. Okon, who returned from Ute Bramah on Monday, said they fled the community as their lives were at stake.

“We have been in constant fear of the sea pirates. Formerly, they used to operate only in the high seas, but now prowl around the communities both day and night.

“They shoot and maim at every provocation. You dare not tell them you don’t have money, fish, clothes, or reveal where you keep your outboard engines when they come visiting. You would risk losing your life to the pirates who are armed to the teeth,” the poor settler lamented.

It would be noted that Akwa Ibom authorities have not given any official reaction on the situation by the time of filing the present report. 

Punch