Victor Sam-Ateke, a former Deputy Speaker of Bayelsa House of Assembly, and other Niger Delta stakeholders have decried piracy and kidnapping on waterways in Nembe and Brass local government areas.

They also called for the unconditional release of kidnapped victims.

Mr. Sam-Ateke stated this during a meeting with stakeholders on Monday in Yenagoa.

The former lawmaker, who read the communiqué drafted by the Kingsley Alagoa-led Communique Drafting Committee, said the people of Brass and Nembe had agreed to end piracy and kidnapping in their territories.

He said the stakeholders had resolved to set up a Nembe Security Network (NSN) to help security agencies gather and share intelligence.

Mr. Sam-Ateke explained, “The committee will engage the government and the security agencies to fish out the criminal elements in the state.

“We want to warn pirates and kidnappers strongly to keep-off Nembe and Brass local government areas’ waterways or face the wrath of the law and the gods of our land.

“We also demand the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages in their custody.

He added that pirates waylaid speedboats conveying travellers to Akassa, Nembe, Twon Brass, Okpoama, Odioama, Fantuo, Egwema, Nembe Creek, Okoroma, Oluasiri, Sangana, Opu-Okumbiri, Oginibiri, among others.

“Meanwhile, we appeal to the Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, to come to the rescue of the Nembe/Brass people.

“We also call on the commander, Operation Delta Safe; the flag officer commanding, the Central Naval Command, and the state director of State Security Service.

“Others are the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to support this effort aimed at bringing peace and security to the state.

“We, the stakeholders appeal to well-meaning individuals from Nembe/Brass, the international oil companies (IOCs), and other Nigerians to support the efforts made to enthrone safety along the waterways,” he said. 

(NAN)