At least three Ghanaians and one Nigerian fisherman have been abducted at gunpoint by suspected pirates in the Akwa Ibom fishing community.
The PUNCH reports that the abduction took place just behind the Nigerian Navy FOB Base in Ibaka waterways on their way to the sea for a fishing expedition.
Confirming the abduction on Friday, a lawyer representing some of the fishermen, Ogunbiyi Oluwajuwon, said that "the kidnappers are demanding N2.5m before they can be released.”
Oluwajuwon 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 they operated for hours.
“They attacked four separate boats, stole their outboard engines and kidnapped four persons, among whom were three Ghanaians and one Nigerian who are currently in their custody."
Speaking further, Oluwajuwon said that the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit in the state has been alerted about the rise in attacks on fishermen by sea pirates.
He also noted that the community had also written to the DSS about the situation.
However, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, said that he is not aware of the abduction of the four fishermen.
“I don’t have any such information yet,” Macdon said when contacted.
