Gunmen believed to be pirates ambushed a passenger boat carrying market women along the Lobia/Foropa waterways in Bayelsa State, abducting four women in the process.
The incident occurred on Tuesday as the boat was en route to Southern Ijaw Local Government Area from the Swali waterfront in Yenagoa, the state capital.
A community source who spoke with Daily Trust on Thursday said the assailants launched their attack shortly after the boat departed, robbing all 12 passengers of their possessions before whisking four women away into the nearby bush.
Condemning the assault, Hon. Selekaye Victor-Ben, who represents Southern Ijaw Constituency 4 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and chairs the House Committee on Human Rights, described the act as both “cowardly” and “barbaric.”
“It is not only an affront to our shared humanity but also a grave threat to the peace and economic well-being of our constituency and the entire state,” he said.
“I vehemently condemn this barbaric act in the strongest possible terms and stand in solidarity with the families of the victims during this agonizing time.”
The lawmaker urged the Bayelsa State Government and security agencies, especially the Nigerian Police Force, to act promptly to ensure the safe and unconditional return of the abducted women.
“It is imperative that no stone is left unturned in apprehending these criminal elements and bringing them to justice,” Victor-Ben stated.
“The safety and security of our waterways are paramount, and urgent steps must be taken to enhance surveillance and patrols to prevent future occurrences of such heinous crimes.”
He further emphasized, “The people of Southern Ijaw deserve to traverse our waterways without fear of molestation or attack.
“I implore the state government to prioritize the security of our maritime environment and to implement sustainable measures that will guarantee the safety of all those who depend on these routes for their daily sustenance.
“We must collectively work together to ensure that our waterways are safe havens for commerce and transportation and that such acts of terror are eradicated from our communities.”
Meanwhile, Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Musa Muhammad said the incident had not yet been formally reported to law enforcement authorities.