Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has condemned the ongoing attacks on boat operators and sea travelers by pirates along the state’s waterways, warning that his administration will no longer tolerate such criminal behavior.
He reassured the public of his government’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of all residents, both indigenous and non-indigenous, ensuring they can carry out their legitimate activities without fear.
Fubara made these remarks when he received a delegation from the Rivers Commercial District of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), who visited the Government House in Port Harcourt to draw attention to the challenges they face and seek immediate government intervention.
Represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, George Nwaeke, the governor praised the union for fulfilling its civic duty by reporting the criminal activities affecting their business.
The governor reassuringly stated that his administration is committed to maintaining security across the state, noting that peace and the protection of lives and property are priorities.
“The security of human beings and their property is one singular agenda of the government that this governor has never joked with, and he is willing to do anything, even for the umpteenth time, to ensure that it is provided.
“Every person here is a community police. Whatever you see, you report, and whatever you think is not very right, you give information to the right places.”
Fubara addressed the union’s concerns, acknowledging the seriousness of the pirate attacks and urging residents to provide information on the criminals.
“Maybe, you are not sure that when you report, you will be safe. But you have to help the security agencies too with appropriate information.
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“Bring information to the government, tell us about those people. This government does not condone bad habits. We do not harbor criminals in our midst,” the governor urged.
He further assured the delegation that his administration would do everything necessary to address the insecurity on the waterways. “We aim to totally destroy violence in Rivers State,” Fubara declared.
In his address, the Chairman of the MWUN Rivers Commercial District, Comrade Israel Waribo Pepple, expressed concern over the frequent pirate attacks on union members along the waterways, stating that these incidents have caused significant disruptions. “On Thursday, August 22, 2024, a boat sailing from Bonny to Port Harcourt was attacked by unknown gunmen, who took five passengers to an unknown destination,” Pepple revealed.
He also detailed other incidents, including the attack on a Bille boat and a workers’ boat coming from Bonny, where passengers were kidnapped and remain in captivity.
People criticized the security agencies for not doing enough to protect citizens, arguing that their focus is often on multinational oil companies rather than ordinary residents.
“Even if they [gunmen] are attacking ‘common men’ (passengers), the gunboats will not go for rescue. They would face the boat they are escorting because that is why they are paid for.
“We urge the Government to ensure the release of kidnapped passengers onboard our boats recently,” he pleaded.
People called on the government to take urgent action to protect boat operators and passengers and also appealed for financial support for those affected by the pirate attacks and the safe release of kidnapped passengers.
