Samuel Oyadongha

Yenagoa—Men of the marine division of the Bayelsa State Police Command, have reportedly repelled an attack on a passenger boat by suspected pirates along the waterways of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state. The attack occurred less than two days after suspected sea pirates ambushed two passenger boats and allegedly kidnapped two chiefs and security operative on the Ogbia Brass waterway of the East senatorial district.

It was gathered that the latest pirates attack occurred weekend on Ginagbene waterway in Southern Ijaw council. Occupants of the passenger boat escaped unhurt as a police patrol team came to their rescue by forcing the hoodlums to retreat into the creek following a shootout.

Confirming the incident, Asinim Butswat, spokesman of the state police command, said that the state Marine Police, stationed at Koluama, in Southern Ijaw council, successfully repelled the pirates attack on the passenger boat.

He said that the suspected pirates ran into a nearby creek and abandoned their speed boat, mounted with 75HP Yamaha Engine, with the Inscription ‘DEEP SEA MARINE’. Items recovered from the hoodlums, he said, include, one AK 47 rifle, three magazines loaded with four live ammunition, one bag, one voter’s card and four life jackets.