Armed assailants have abducted four women along the waterways near Foropa in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The kidnapping occurred on Tuesday when the attackers targeted a local boat transporting traders. The vessel, which had departed from the jetty at Swali Ultra-Modern Market, was carrying 12 women at the time of the ambush. All passengers were robbed of their money and belongings, but four women were taken away to an unknown location, raising alarm among traders who frequently use the route between Yenagoa and remote markets.
Reacting to the incident, Selekaye Victor-Ben, a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 4 and chairman of the Assembly Committee on Human Rights, condemned the abduction. He described the attack as a brutal assault on innocent citizens striving to earn a living.
“This is a despicable act that strikes at the heart of our humanity and threatens the stability and economic activity in our constituency and the state at large,” Victor-Ben stated during a press briefing in Yenagoa on Thursday.
He demanded urgent intervention from the Bayelsa State Government and security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police, to ensure the prompt and unconditional release of the kidnapped women. He also called for a thorough investigation to bring the culprits to justice.
Emphasizing the importance of safety on the waterways, Victor-Ben urged authorities to bolster surveillance and patrol efforts to prevent such attacks. “Residents of Southern Ijaw must be able to travel our waterways without fear. We need sustainable strategies that ensure the security of those relying on these routes for their livelihoods,” he added.
He further stressed the need for collaborative efforts to restore safety across the region’s maritime routes and end violence targeting local traders.
When reached for comment, Bayelsa State Police Command spokesperson, SP Musa Mohammed, said he had not yet received details of the incident.
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