By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Hope to rid out sea pirates on Akwa Ibom waterways and free it for viable economic ventures including fishing is on sight, as the newly inaugurated Akwa Ibom State Waterways Surveillance/Security team began operations.
The Marine Security outfit set up by Governor Udom Emmanuel on Monday, led by the Chief Security Officer of the team, Mr. Akpan Ubak combed waterways in the state in search of sea pirates.
The team launched out at Ikot Ebidang jetty in Onna Local Government Area of the state with 15 speed boats, over 100 personnels and supported by gunboats of combined security personnel.
Speaking to journalists, Ubak said they were inaugurated by Governor Udom Emmanuel to tackle the incessant attacks on marine business operators by sea pirates.
He said that the governor is committed to ensuring that business operators in the marine sector have a sanitized waterway devoid of hoodlums who parade themselves as owners of the riverine area, molesting, robbing, and killing innocent business owners in the sector.
Ubak thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for providing the necessary equipment and mobilizing the personnel’s for this task.
He promised to deliver on the mandate so that marine business can thrive to further boost Akwa Ibom economy.
It would be recalled that for years running, sea pirates have been constantly attacking fishermen and others doing legitimate businesses on Akwa Ibom waterways, leading to loss of lives and values of the victims in some instances.
