Piracy: Economic activities crippled as fishermen quit Ibaka sea in protest

Economic activities in the fishing community of Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have been shut down following incessant cases of attacks by sea pirates in the area.

The assailants on Thursday stormed the Ibaka sea, attacking the fishermen and capturing up to 9 outboard engines of fishing boats.

Following the incident, the Ibaka community directed fishermen and operators of businesses in the fishing community to down tools for three days.
The action which started on Thursday, has now entered its second day.

Thursday's attack came on the heels of similar ones in the past years and months. 

Outcry by the fishermen for security agencies to properly secure the sea, has always fallen on deaf ears.

A distraught fisherman who spoke with newsmen called on the police to probe the relationship between the leadership of the fishermen union and the pirates.
According to him, the union receives 10,000 Naira per month from each member for payment to the assailants. The money is codenamed 'protection fee.'

"We settle (pay) the pirates every month. Our union leaders take the money deep into the creeks to deliver to the pirates. The police should therefore invite the leadership of the union for interrogation. They should be asked to produce those criminals," said the fishermen who craved anonymity.

This reporter has always reached out to naval authorities on the matter. The navy has always denied cases of attacks on the fishermen.














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