In November, Rivers State chapter of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria embarked on a three-day warning strike in protest over the rising pirates’ attack along the waterways.
The warning strike came after pirates attacked three passenger-boats going to Port Harcourt from the Bille Kingdom, killing at least three persons and injuring many more.
An eyewitness said that a boat sent to rescue the passengers from the waterways was perforated with bullets by the pirates forcing it to sink in the middle of the river.
The source said further that one of the boats was conveying a family and guests of a wedding taking place in Port Harcourt.
He added that the gunmen forcibly hijacked the boat and their belongings while abandoning the passengers at a nearby mangrove.
The angry drivers had said during the warning strike that they have lost an uncounted number of boats to the pirates and asked the government to provide security along the waterways.
They alleged that the gunboats provided by the Rivers State Government during the launching of Operation Sting are nowhere to be found along the waterways, adding that they have are only used to escort big men.
Post a Comment