Gunmen on Monday attacked Fishermen in the Ibeno local government area in Akwa Ibom state and took away eight Outboard Motors belonging to them.

This happened less than 48 hours after sea pirates attacked fishermen in the Itanwa region of Ikot Abasi LGA and took away 50 Yamaha engines and outboards.

A lawyer for some of the fishermen, Ogunbiyi Oluwajuwon, while speaking with our correspondent in Uyo, blamed the security officers for what he called their “lackadaisique” attitude.

He instructed officers to assume their responsibility for securing the waterways.

The lawyer also said the state government had not paid enough attention to the lingering safety concerns on the waterways.

He said: “More than 8 fishing boats were attacked earlier this morning by sea pirates at sea in Ibeno, taking 8 Yamaha outboard motors.

“These attacks are becoming incessant and regular due to the nonchalant attitude of the security agencies which are responsible for ensuring security along the waterways.

“Ordinary fishermen are constantly the victims of these heinous acts and they continue to be left alone to bear the brunt of these attacks.

“The state government has stayed away from this issue and does not care about the masses. Fishermen make up more than 20 to 30 percent of the state’s artisans, and fishing is their main occupation. If it is threatened, what do you tell them to do? The state government should pay attention to these people

“It is high time that the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and all security agencies rise to this challenge and find lasting solutions to this problem. This is one too many attacks on the livelihoods of the state’s poor and vulnerable fishermen. The FG, AKSG and the Nigerian Navy must do something immediately to stop the situation. “

In response, State Information and Strategy Commissioner Ini Ememobong said the state was doing everything in its power to ensure the security of its sea, land and air borders.

He said, however, that the state was hampered by the fact that certain security issues were on the exclusive legislative list.

“We are doing everything to ensure the security of our land, sea and air borders, but the state government is also hampered by the fact that certain security issues are on the exclusive legislative list. But in terms of logistics supply capacity, envy, the mobilization of men and equipment, the state government is at the top.

Gunmen attack fishermen and take 10 Yamaha and 40 outboard motors to Akwa Ibom