Gunmen on Monday attacked fishermen in Ibeno local government area of Akwa Ibom State and carted away eight outboard engines belonging to them.
This came less than 48 hours after sea pirates attacked fishermen in Itanwa area of Ikot Abasi LGA and, carted away 50 Yamaha and Outboard engines.
A lawyer to some of the fishermen, Ogunbiyi Oluwajuwon while speaking with our correspondent in Uyo blamed the security operatives on what he termed their ‘lackadaisical’ attitude.
He charged operatives to live up to their responsibility of securing the waterways.
The lawyer also said the state government has not paid adequate attention to lingering security issues on the waterways
He said, “More than 8 fishing boats were attacked earlier this morning by Sea pirates at the sea in Ibeno, carting away 8 Yamaha Outboard Engines.
“These attacks are becoming incessant and on regular basis due to the lackadaisical attitude of security agencies who are tasked with the responsibility of providing security along the waterways.
“The common Fishermen are constantly at the receiving end of these dastardly acts and they continue to be left alone to bear the brunts of these attacks.
“The state government has been standing aloof on this issue and does not care about the masses. The fishermen account for more than 20-30 percent of artisans in the state and fishing is their main occupation. If this is being threatened, what are you telling them to do? The state government should pay attention to these people
“It is high time the Akwa Ibom State Governor and all security agencies rose up to this challenge and find lasting solutions to this issue.It is one attack too many on the means of livelihood of the poor and vulnerable Fishermen in the state. The FG, AKSG and Nigerian Navy must do something immediately to arrest the situation.”
Responding, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ini Ememobong said the state is doing everything within its capacity to ensure that its sea, land and air borders are secured.
He said, however, that the state is being hampered by the fact that some issues of security are on the Exclusive legislative list.
“We are doing everything to ensure that our land, sea and air borders are safe but the state government is also hampered by the fact that some security issues are on the exclusive legislative list. But within the capacity of logistics provision, the desire, the mobilisation of men and materials, the state government is on top of the game”
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