Gunmen suspected to be pirates have attacked a boat conveying market women to Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, along the Lobia/Foropa waterways.
The attackers reportedly kidnapped four women during the incident which occurred on Tuesday.
A community source told Daily Trust on Thursday morning the attackers struck few minutes after the passenger boat left the Swali waterfront in Yenagoa, the state capital.
He said about 12 persons who were in the boat were dispossessed of their valuables and money, while the criminals abducted four of the women into the bush for unknown reasons.
Meanwhile, the member representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 4 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Human Rights, Hon. Selekaye Victor-Ben, has condemned the incident.
He described the abduction as a cowardly attack on innocent citizens.
According to him, “It is not only an affront to our shared humanity but also a grave threat to the peace and economic well-being of our constituency and the entire state.
“I vehemently condemn this barbaric act in the strongest possible terms and stand in solidarity with the families of the victims during this agonizing time.”
He called on the Bayelsa State Government and all relevant security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Police Force, to act swiftly and decisively to secure the immediate and unconditional release of these abducted women.
“It is imperative that no stone is left unturned in apprehending these criminal elements and bringing them to justice.
“The safety and security of our waterways are paramount, and urgent steps must be taken to enhance surveillance and patrols to prevent future occurrences of such heinous crimes.
“The people of Southern Ijaw deserve to traverse our waterways without fear of molestation or attack.
“I implore the state government to prioritize the security of our maritime environment and to implement sustainable measures that will guarantee the safety of all those who depend on these routes for their daily sustenance.
“We must collectively work together to ensure that our waterways are safe havens for commerce and transportation, and that such acts of terror are eradicated from our communities,” he said.
When contacted, the Police Spokesman in Bayelsa State, DSP Musa Muhammad, said the matter had not been reported.
