By Emmanuel Obe
Community leaders from Bonny and neighbouring communities of Andoni and Opobo have lamented that sea pirates have grounded economic and social activities in the Rivers State riverine communities.
The Youth Leader of Bonny Local Government Area, Mr Simeon Wilcox, said in Port Harcourt on Monday that the sea pirates attack and rob people travelling on the Bonny River to the communities.
He said the attacks have led to the acute scarcity of food in Bonny and environs. He also said business and social activities have also been crippled because of the activities of the sea pirates.
He said two major vessels bringing food and other merchandise to the island were attacked last week and vessel owners have as a result stopped transporting food to the island.
“Things are getting difficult in Bonny. We are appealing to the state and the federal government to come to our aid. Bonny is still part of Rivers State. Bonny is still part of Nigeria. We need help immediately,” Wilcox said.
He said traders no longer go to the market too for fear of being attacked.
The incidence of sea piracy on the numerous creeks and rivers in Rivers State has increased as Christmas draws close. The pirates attack boats carrying goods and travellers mid-sea and dispossess them of their goods and cash. There have been a few cases of passengers killed.
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