Brave Dickson
The Okrika Marine Transport Association, Rivers State has asked the public especially sea travellers to beware of fishermen, adding that pirates now disguise as fishermen.
The marine association said the alarm was necessary following the incessant abduction and robbing of sea passengers within the coastal Niger Delta region.
In an interview with our correspondent, the Vice Chairman of the association, Jeremiah Omu said, “it is important to share these tips with sea travellers because what victims suffer in the den of pirates is unbearable.
“We are advising sea users especially those plying the Bonny-Kula waterways to really avoid patronizing fishermen on the sea.
“Pirates like the Bonny-Kula waterways because they are extremely deep, wide, turbulent and boat passengers are mostly afraid of sea accident around those waterways.
“These pirates do disguise like fishermen to make the marine security agencies not to intensify security surveillance on them.
“They will dangle big fishes for sale so as to attract their travelling targets. Once a boat slows down to patronize them, they will immediately rob or abduct the boat occupants.”
The marine association also urged security agencies on the Niger Delta sea routes to start seeing fishermen as suspects until they are thoroughly searched and found innocent.
