Pirates abduct eight in Bayelsa

Gunmen, suspected to be sea pirates, have attacked a speedboat conveying 15 passengers and abducted eight of them in Bayelsa State.

The pirates also reportedly intercepted the 200-horsepower engine boat close to a rice farm and escaped with eight of the 15 passengers.

The passengers were said to have departed Egweama in Brass Council of Bayelsa State, where they attended a burial at the weekend.

Maritime Workers Union Chairman of Brass Council, Mr. Daniel Biodoumoye, confirmed the attack.

According to the union chairman, a combined rescue team of marine police, union leaders and others rescued seven passengers abandoned by the pirates.

Meanwhile, the Regent of Egwe Ibe, Chief Timipre Saka-Yabi, has condemned the kidnap and called for unconditional release of his subjects.

Also confirming the incident, the spokesman for the Bayelsa Police Command, Asinim Butswat, said the boat was attacked in the early hours of yesterday.

He said: “The passenger boat was attacked on June13, 2022 and seven passengers were reportedly abducted. We have commenced investigation.”