•Sea pirates
Piqued by the incessant pirates’ attack along waterways in their communities, Bille women in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, today took their protest to Government House, Port Harcourt, requesting the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, to take swift actions to stop the menace.
This is as the whereabouts of 13 passengers, including 10 school children abducted on May 6, 2025, is still unknown, reports The Guardian.
It was gathered that the students were on their way to write the West African Examination Council (WAEC) examination when their boat was intercepted by heavily armed pirates who diverted them into the creeks.
Speaking, one of the women, Janeth Adebayo, said, “It’s one week now since sea pirates abducted 10 school children alongside the drivers. The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, when a speed boat carrying 13 passengers was intercepted by heavily armed sea pirates who diverted them into the creeks.
“All abducted individuals remain missing, leaving their families in a state of distress. The tragic event marks another escalation of threat along our waterways, endangering the lives of commuters and the economic stability of riverine communities.”
She, however, called on the Rivers State Government, led by Ibas, to urgently rise to this disturbing situation.
Another protester, Allale Blessing, lamented that her mother was a victim of a pirates’ attack which forced them to pay N30m among other items as ransom.
She recounted, “My mum and eight other persons were abducted recently on Bille waterways, and a ransom of N30 million was paid. After that, the abductors requested a drum of fuel, water, and bread before they could release them. We sent all the items they requested before they were released. Then, just on May 6 again, they abducted children going to write WAEC. It means the children have missed their exams.”
Speaking on behalf of Concerned Mothers of Bile Kingdom, Janeth said, “In light of this, we appeal to the Nigerian army and the police for urgent intervention by deploying a patrol team to the area. We request a relationship with the security agencies.”
She expressed confidence that swift and decisive action on maritime security will address the insecurity challenges in the riverine communities.
Responding, the Rivers Administrator Ibok Ete Ibas, represented by the Camp Commandant of the Rivers State Government House, I.O. Gabriel, assured the protesters that the government will act accordingly and swiftly.
