Florence Uwaeme
The Rivers State chapter of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria has begun its three-day warning strike in protest over the continuous pirates attack along the waterways.
The warning strike comes after pirates attacked three passenger-boats going to Port Harcourt from the Bille Kingdom, killing at least three persons and injuring many more.
According to a source, all three attacks took place on Saturday morning with one of the boats carted away.
The source stressed that the third boat sent to rescue the passengers from the waterways was perforated with bullets by the pirates and is feared to have sunk in the middle of the river.
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The source said further that one of the boats was conveying a family and guests of a wedding taking place in Port Harcourt, adding that the gunmen forcibly hijacked the boat and their belongings while abandoning the passengers at a nearby mangrove.
But the angry drivers on Monday said 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.
Boat passengers and goods were seen stranded at the Bonny Jetty as the union shut down transport operation.
Jonah Jumbo, the chairman of the maritime transport union said no jetty in the state will operate until the government provides security along the waterways.
