By Uwem Ekoh
Members of the Mbo Marine Transport Association have raised serious concerns over the growing wave of insecurity along waterways between Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers state, describing repeated attacks by sea pirates and other criminal gangs as a major threat to lives and businesses.
The transport operators said the worsening security situation has left many boat drivers and passengers living in fear while carrying out their daily activities.
Speaking with our correspondent in Ibaka last week, the Public Relations Officer of the Association, Elder Saviour Etifit, said members have suffered repeated attacks from sea pirates, resulting in the loss of valuables and disruption of commercial activities.
Flanged by other membes of various union Ibaka disclosed that in one of the recent incidents, two passenger boats were hijacked by armed criminals.
The union also expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as persistent harassment and extortion by some security personnel on the waterways, particularly officers of the Nigerian Customs Service who operates with four boats for this purpose.
The operators questioned the Customs Service frequent checkpoints mounted against commercial boats, arguing that security efforts should be redirected towards tackling criminal elements operating on the waterways.
They urged relevant authorities to strengthen security presence around boundary areas and identified crime hotspots instead of concentrating patrols at Ibaka beach alone.
Despite their concerns, the transport operators were unanimous in commending the Nigeria Police Force for its commitment to combating waterway crime.
They expressed kudos to the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Baba Azare, for sustaining peace in the Ibaka axis and the state in general and specially applauded the newly posted State Marine Officer ( SMO ), CSP Augustine Omorogbe for his prompt response to distress calls.
According to the Association, the Marine Police have, within a short period, distinguished themselves through consistent gunboat patrols and prompt rescue operations across the waterways. The Association commended the personnel for their professionalism, commitment, and dedication to ensuring the safety and security of waterway users.
He stated, the SMO has done exceptionally well since his deployment to the community.
” Whenever we call, he responds swiftly and has restored confidence among boat operators,” Etifit said.
The Association also appealed to the Federal Government to intervene and the Akwa Ibom State Government, under the leadership of Governor Pastor Umo Eno, to complement security efforts by providing grants and other forms of support to marine transport operators whose businesses have suffered losses due to persistent attacks.
Other stakeholders, including former Chairman of the Ibaka Traders Union, Elder Bassey Ekpot, Elder Joseph Ukatuda of the Ibaka Stick/Speed Transport Union, and boat operators Uduak Umanah, Godwin Effiong Asuquo among others echoed the call for stronger security measures and sustained government intervention to safeguard lives, restore confidence, and boost economic activities along the state’s waterways.
” This situation is contributing hardship in the state, we do fishing here and this really affects the economy of the state”, they explained.
At the time of filing this report, no security operative was on ground to give explanation on the allegation of settlements to them by boat drivers.