Bayelsa Assembly Member Condemns Rising Sea Pirate Attacks, Abduction of Four Market Women
...Demands Urgent Security Action
A member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Selekaye Victor-Ben, has condemned the rising cases of sea pirate attacks and the recent abduction of four market women along the Lobia/Foropah waterways in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Hon. Victor-Ben, who represents Constituency 4 and serves as Chairman of the State Assembly Committee on Human Rights, described the abduction as a “cowardly attack on innocent citizens” who were simply trying to earn a living.
“This cowardly attack on innocent citizens, who were simply trying to earn their livelihoods, 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,” he said.
“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 added.
The lawmaker called on the Bayelsa State Government and relevant security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Police Force, to act swiftly and decisively to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the 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,” he emphasized.
He further stressed that the people of Southern Ijaw deserve to navigate the waterways without fear of molestation or attack.
“I implore the state government to prioritize the security of our maritime environment and implement sustainable measures that will guarantee the safety of all those who depend on these routes for their daily sustenance. We must collectively ensure that our waterways are safe havens for commerce and transportation and that such acts of terror are eradicated from our communities.”
The incident occurred on Tuesday when sea pirates attacked a boat conveying market women to Southern Ijaw Local Government Area via the Foropah waterways. The attack took place just minutes after the boat departed from the Swali Market Jetty in Yenagoa, the state capital.
According to community sources, about 12 passengers were robbed of their valuables and cash, while four women were abducted and taken into the nearby bush for unknown reasons.
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