EKET (AKWA IBOM) - Fishermen and speed boat operators on Oron-Bakassi marine route, in Akwa Ibom, have decried the activities of pirates and its negative impact on economic activities in the area.
Some of the fishermen and boat operators, told newsmen in Oron, that safety and security at waterways were crucial to the economy of coastal settlements and the country’s quest for fish sufficiency.
They alleged that sea pirates extorted money and often dispossessed them of their boats.
According to them, the activities of the pirates became pronounced since the withdrawal of Nigerian troops from Bakassi Peninsular, leaving the waterways without adequate security.
Meanwhile, an NGO - Water Safety Initiative, has donated safety jackets to speed boat operators for passengers on the Oron-Bakassi marine transport route.
Making the donation on behalf of the NGO, Mr Victor Matthew, said that the gesture was the organisations contribution to ensure safety on the high sea.
Matthew regretted the high casualty rate from frequent boat mishaps on Oron-Bakassi route due to a lack of life jackets.
“I recall that in one of the boat mishaps when I was a student at Maritime Academy, 10 lives were lost because they had no life jackets,” Mathew said.
Mr. Edet Okpo, Chairman of Speed Boat Owners Association in Oron, who received the safety jackets, expressed gratitude to the NGO for showing interest in public safety at sea.
Okpo stressed that if the lives of fishermen were secured at sea, there would be more fish available for consumption.
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