Pirates abduct eight boat passengers in Bayelsa

Gunmen suspected to be sea pirates have abducted eight passengers in the Yenagoa bound speedboats along Brass-Yenagoa waterways in Bayelsa State.
The boat carrying about 15 passengers onboard was said to have departed Egweama waterfront in Brass Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered the victims were returning from a burial they had attended over the weekend before being ambushed in the middle of the sea.

A source in the community said eight of the passengers were abducted a whisked into the creeks, while seven were freed.
The gunmen are yet to contact the relatives of the victims as of the time of filing this report, sources at the Egweama waterfront told our correspondent.
Chairman, Maritime Workers Union in Brass Local Government Area, Mr. Daniel Biodoumoye, who confirmed the attack, said, “The pirates intercepted the 200 horse power engine boat close to a rice farm and fled off with eight of the 15 passengers.”
He said a combined rescue team of marine police, members of the union and others rescued the seven lucky passengers who were abandoned by the pirates.

Meanwhile, the Regent of Egwe Ibe Community, Chief Timipre Saka-Yabi, has condemned the kidnap and called for the unconditional release of the victims.
Police spokesman in Bayelsa State, SP Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the attack, said investigation was ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and arrest the culprits.