In an incident off the coast of Mbo local government area in Akwa Ibom State, reports have confirmed the death of at least 10 individuals after an outboard engine boat capsized.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that among the victims, five were members of a single family from the Udung Uko local government area of the state.
The group had set out from the fishing settlement of Ine Ataobong in Bakassi Peninsula and encountered a fierce storm that ultimately led to the overturning of their boat. Miraculously, only two individuals managed to survive the tragic event.
Mrs. Eno Effai, a relative of one of the survivors who is involved in the seafood trade, described the incident as deeply sorrowful. She lamented the lack of life jackets aboard the ill-fated vessel, stating, “It is really so sad. The sea has been so rough this period. Many people have lost their lives in the sea while travelling to Mbo or Oron. And this particular one is really sad in the sense that a family of five, including the mother and school children, were involved in the mishap.”
In the wake of this calamity, Mbo Concerned Citizens, a local group, is urging the government to establish a Coast Guard unit aimed at curbing the nefarious activities of sea pirates in the region’s waterways.
The group believes that such a specialised force would significantly contribute to preventing boat accidents and, consequently, save lives.
This newspaper reports that Uloj Amba, the Coordinator of Mbo Concerned Citizens, made known their stance in a statement in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State.
Amba said, “It is becoming very necessary for the government, either federal or state, to establish a Coast Guard with the mandate to checkmate the unholy activities of sea robbers.”
He further elaborated, “Our people, especially the fishermen, have suffered immensely at the hands of these pirates. Not a day goes by without an incident on the waterways, which directly affects the livelihood of our fishermen. Additionally, such an organisation would greatly assist sea travellers, as seen in developed countries. There is nothing preventing us from initiating it here as well, which would provide employment opportunities for our young and energetic citizens. Thus, we appeal to the government to seriously consider this proposal. Many of our people have perished during this period due to the lack of assistance when they experience boat mishaps.”
