Three kidnapped victims who were among persons abducted by suspected sea pirates along Bonny water ways in Rivers state two weeks ago have regained their freedom. Fernibo Jaja an associate of one of the victims, Mr. Precious Ugochukwu a lecturer in Federal Polythenics of oil and gas, Bonny confirmed his release to National Network.
He said the victim is receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital. He could not confirm if ransom was paid before his release. According to the associate of the victim, the abductors stripped them of all their belongings including their handsets and clothes. He said the victims were fed once a day by their captors.
The victims stayed two weeks in captivity before their release.
Bonny waterways in recent times have become a source of worry to travellers and natives of the place following incessant attack by hoodlums suspected to be sea pirates on passengers boat who rob and kidnap their victims in the process .
The Senate had also raised alarm on the worsening security situation along the Bonny-Port-Harcourt waterways where activities of sea pirates had led to the abductions, killings and raping of Nigerian women and girls using the water route.
The lawmakers also urged security agencies to increase their surveillance on the waterways to curb the menace of the pirates. Intervention of the Senate followed a motion on piracy attacks on the Bonny-Port-Harcourt sponsored by Senator Betty Apiafi (PDP, Rivers West).
It directed its committee on works to ensure adequate funding in the 2020 budget for completion of the Bonny–Port Harcourt waterways. Senator Apiafi, in her motion, recounted how pirates attacked four boats on September 26, 2019, dispossessed the travellers of their property and kidnapped some of them.
She revealed that the unprecedented challenge on the Bonny-Port-Harcourt waterways has put many travelers at risk and almost on a daily basis armed bandits kidnap commuters.
George Sekibo (PDP, Rivers East) who seconded the motion drew attention of his colleagues to the activities of pirates, which he regretted has led to killings, raping and robbing of travellers.
