Connect with us

Metro

13 travelers ‘vanish’ as pirates hijack boat in Rivers

Published

on

Suspected pirates hijacked a passenger boat carrying 20 travellers along the Bonny-Okrika waterways in Rivers State on Thursday.

This came as the Bonny Local Government Council said it had rescued nine of the passengers, while a frantic search is on to rescue the others.

The Bonny LG Chairman, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, said the rescue was in collaboration with security agencies.

Claude-Wilcox, in a statement by his media aide, Boma Waribor, on Friday, said the driver of the passenger boat went contrary to the rules to pass through kilometre 10, which is a prohibited channel for commercial boat drivers.

Advertisement

The statement reads, “Security briefing at the disposal of the Executive Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, indicates that a passenger boat comprising 20 persons enroute Bonny was intercepted this afternoon by Sea Pirates around the precincts of Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area.

“However, it should be noted that nine persons have been found and returned to Port Harcourt through the timely intervention of Government Security operatives who are currently up and about and have intensified efforts to rescue the remaining 12 passengers.

“It should be noted that preliminary findings reveal that the Boat Driver disobeyed the rules and passed through Kilometer 10, a prohibited channel for commercial Boat Drivers.

“The relatives of the victims and the public are urged to be calm as the Bonny Local Government Council is seriously collaborating with neighbouring LGAs and the security agencies to arrest the situation.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, the Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, has expressed worry over the continued pirate attacks in the State.

The Chairman of the MUWN, Rivers Commercial District, Isreal Wariboko, while reacting decried the incessant attacks despite the efforts of the state government to stop the trends.

He noted that the pirates came out with different strategies in each operation, nothing that the miscreants reside in the mangrove.

According to him, “Of course you know these boys. When they know that there is security in this area, they go to another area to operate. They are criminals.

Advertisement

“The truth of the matter is that they are in that they are somehow in the mangrove, and they monitor the activities of security agencies and the movement of every individual. So they come out when they see that the place is a little bit free.”

“Sometimes security can be at the front, and they operate behind. Sometimes when they know that they are there, they go ahead of the security. That is the way they operate. As long as they are in the mangrove, we will continue to see this type of attack once in a while,” Wariboko said.

He, therefore, called for more security presence along the waterways to curb the incessant attacks, even as he said the latest attacks have been reported to the police.

He further said, “You will recall that after our protest and the donation of gunboats by the Governor, we have not complained about pirate attacks along our sea routes.

Advertisement

“Just recently they have devices another means. I will go out there and find out what really happened to know whether the boat followed the real route or diverted to another route.

“The marine police are aware of the matter, and I know that they are handling it. As a union, too, we have sent a search party twice today.”

Metro

Fire guts recycling facility in Lagos

Published

on

By

A fire outbreak on Monday afternoon engulfed a recycling facility operated by Jincheng Company at 11B Eric Moore Road, Surulere, Lagos.

The fire, reported at about 12:15 p.m., drew a prompt response from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters from the Sari-Iganmu Fire Station were the first on the scene, but the intensity of the blaze required reinforcements from the Ajegunle Fire Crew.

Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, stated that the fire began at the rear of the main building and was suspected to have been caused by negligence.

The affected section reportedly housed large quantities of cardboard materials used in the recycling process.

Advertisement

Although the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined, the facility—which spans three acres—suffered significant losses.

“No casualties have been reported so far,” Adeseye confirmed, adding that the situation was under control by the time of reporting, with damping down operations still ongoing.”

Continue Reading

Metro

NSCDC’s mining marshals shut illegal site in Kaduna

Published

on

By

Mining marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have shut an illegal mining site in Damau community in Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

NSCDC’s spokesman Babawale Afolabi said the affected site is in a tin-rich area belonging to Trobell Minerals Limited but allegedly overrun by illegal miners.

Afolabi said the corps Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, had instructed that effective strategy and approach be put in place to stop illegal miners and address insecurity.

The spokesman noted that the illegal activities of the miners had led to serious economic losses, environmental degradation, and persistent insecurity in the area.

Advertisement

He added that besides reaching out to community leaders, the marshals also adopted non-kinetic means through community engagement to address some challenges.

In a statement in Abuja, Afolabi said the NSCDC engaged traditional leaders and community youths in a series of deliberations to allow the miners to vacate the site under supervision without resistance.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, hailed the mining marshals for peacefully resolving previous clashes at illegal sites in other parts of the country, where enforcement had often turned confrontational.

The minister urged communities across the country to support the Federal Government to stamp out illegal mining.

Advertisement

He sought cooperation with the mining marshals to fish out culprits.

“The Kaduna operation could serve as a model for future interventions, if we get the buy-in of locals and community leaders. Illegal mining and insecurity remain major obstacles to the development of the mining sector.

“However, the outcome in Damau offers a glimpse of how a mix of enforcement and dialogue can turn the tide. I urge communities to cooperate with us to deal with this menace and restore investor confidence in the sector,” he said.

Also, a member of the community, who spoke in confidence, praised the marshals for doing a good job.

Advertisement

“The diplomatic approach is commendable. The activities of the dislodged illegal miners posed a serious threat to lives, livelihoods, and investment. This intervention brings long-awaited relief,” he said.

During the commemoration of the maiden anniversary of the Mining Marshals, Alake had reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering the squad for greater effectiveness.

“The reward for hard work is more work,” he told the operatives, pledging more support.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Metro

Bandits kill NSCDC officer attached to Zamfara First Lady

Published

on

By

An operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Isah Yunusa, who was attached to the First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal has been killed by suspected bandits in Kaduna State.

The tragic incident occurred on the night of Sunday, May 4, 2025, along the Kaduna–Kachia highway, when gunmen reportedly mounted a barricade on the road and attacked unsuspecting travellers.

Yunusa, was said to have been caught in the ambush and fatally shot.

His death was confirmed on Monday by conflict journalist and security analyst, Bakatsine, who shared the development via his social media handle.

Advertisement

As of the time of filing this report, the NSCDC is yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

It remains unclear whether Yunusa was on official duty or travelling privately when the attack happened.

The Kaduna–Kachia road has long been considered a hotspot for banditry and kidnappings, with repeated calls by residents and stakeholders for increased security presence along the route.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News