The ten boat passengers who were abducted by sea pirates along the Bonny-Port Harcourt waterway few days ago have regained freedom.
The Bonny Local Government Council disclosed this in a statement at the weekend.
The statement read,
GOVERNMENT PUBLIC STATEMENT ON RELEASE OF 10 KIDNAPPED VICTIMS BY SEA PIRATES
The Bonny Local Government is pleased to announce the successful release of 10 kidnapped victims who were abducted on the 2nd of September 2024, by sea pirates around the Onne axes of the Bonny – Port Harcourt waterways.
This outcome was made possible through the diligent and coordinated efforts of the government security agencies and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to them for their response and relentless commitment to ensuring the safety of our citizens.
We also wish to thank the families of the victims for their patience and cooperation during this challenging time. Your support was invaluable throughout the process. In addition, we appreciate the public for their vigilance and solidarity in standing by the government, security agencies and the family of the victims in actualising their safe release.
Accordingly, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Dame Hon Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, DSSRS, JP., enjoins all citizens to trust in our security forces who are working tirelessly to protect lives and properties, especially along our waterways, as she is committed to collaboting for the total eradication of the rising incidents of piracy, and we assure the public that their safety remains the government’s top priority.
We also utilise this opportunity to call on all stakeholders to refrain from politicizing the issue of sea piracy. The safety and well-being of our citizens are too important to be undermined by political maneuvering.
The Bonny Local Government is unwavering in its resolve to address this problem comprehensively and to bring the perpetrators to justice. It should be recalled that for two years we did not experience this ungodly act of sea piracy until recently just about five months ago.
Once again, we thank everyone involved for their efforts and we reassure the public that we remain steadfast as government in our duty to protect the lives and properties of our People.
