Suspected Sea Pirates terrorizing waterways within Kalabari route have attacked a passenger boat with passengers on board.
Some of the victims including the driver of the boat who identified himself as Sokpabobia Sokari narrated their ordeal to newsmen explaining that they were attacked within Namasebi waterways in Bille community, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State on while returning from Port Harcourt.
The victims said the boats and their goods were carted away in the incident that happened around 2pm Monday, by the criminals after shooting at the driver of the boat who sustained bullet wounds.
They said the suspected sea pirates were on Civil Defense Uniform and masked their faces when they carried out the operation.
The victims of the attack called on security agencies and the Government to improve security on the waterways for their safety.
According to Sokari, “We had left Port Harcourt and gotten to the Degema area when I saw a boat approaching me with 4 passengers and a driver. So, I noticed they were wearing Civil Defence Uniforms and they had guns so I slowed down and told my passengers to raise their hands.
“But as we got closer I discovered that they were wearing masks. That was when it occurred to me that they are criminals, so I immediately changed gear and sped off then they started shooting at us.
“I quickly noticed a nearby mangrove where I parked and all of us ran away. They still came and took my boat away including everybody’s goods.”
The driver confirmed to DAILY POST reports that no life was lost in the attack but the Rivers State Police Command is yet to confirm the incident.
In another development, one person is now feared killed in a fresh clash between rival cult gangs terrorizing Diobu axis of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State.
It was gathered that an argument over who collects security fees at a makeshift market located at Ekwe, Ikom, National Streets within Mile 3 Diobu, Port Harcourt led to the fracas.
An Eyewitness told newsmen that suspected members of a cult group stormed the market and demanded that they be allowed by their rivals to collect the security fee after which an altercation ensued which led to a shootout.
The eyewitness said one of the leaders of the cult gang identified as Chisco Uzoma was shot dead during the confrontation before security operatives intervened.
The Police later carried out a raid in the area arresting passersby and traders for violating the restriction order on closure of all markets in the state by the Rivers State government.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni confirmed the incident.