ABONNEMA — Boat operators in Abonnema, Rivers State, have accused military personnel of failing to respond to distress calls during kidnapping incidents along the region’s waterways.
Chairman of the Abonnema jetty, Batiem Briggs, raised the alarm in an interview, alleging that gunboats provided by the state government to secure the waterways are instead being used to escort staff of multinational companies.
Briggs called on the state government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts in curbing piracy and related criminal activities in the area.
Meanwhile, boat drivers have voiced growing frustration, stating that the escalating insecurity has taken a toll on their livelihoods, with many now living in fear of daily operations.
