By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Fishermen, business women and other operators in the coastal communities in Akwa Ibom State have called on the state and federal governments to deploy more security operatives so as to avoid further attack on them by hoodlums.
Lamenting on their ordeals, the Youth Leader, Marine Transport in Mbo Local Government Area, Mr Bassey Sunday Edet said their fishing business has collapsed because of attack by sea pirates, adding that their boats, fishing equipment and other valuables were lost in the course of the attack.
He also appealed to Governor Umo Eno to provide them with fishing boats and equipment to enhance their business, which fishing is the only source of livelihood.
Bassey also called on government to deploy more security operatives to the waterways in order to help checkmate the activities of the criminals.
The youth leader who is also a businessman said,” We want government to supply us with more boats and adequate security so that we can do our business well.
“This is what we use to feed our family and send our children to school and again, government is also getting revenue from here”
He further commended the quick intervention of the Officers of the Marine Police, Oron headed by Mr Bashir Hashim who mobilised his men to combat the pirates during their last operation.
“Everything has returned to normal since we invited the officers of the Marine Police, they came and chased the armed robbers away. They have also provided us with gun boots with their men on standby in case of any emergency or attack”. He said.
Also speaking, a community leader who is businessman in Mbo beach, Prince Honestly Effanga recounted his experience as the result of the insecurity in coastal communities in the state.
He expressed kudos to the men of the Marine Police Oron for providing them security and pleaded with government to beef up security for them.
According to him, ” I thank the Commander of the Marine Police Oron, for standing by us at this time, he is a good man, he should be recommended for higher appointment because he knows his work”.
A business woman in Mbo beach who gave her name as Mrs Ekaette Asuquo said their businesses are not flowing well as it used to be because of the fear of activities of militants.
A security officer who does not want his name in print, assured that they will continue to provide security in the coastal communities in the state and requested government at the state and federal levels to provide more security operatives in the affected communities.
