Sea Pirates Kill 4 Policemen, Abduct 6 Oil Workers

Suspected sea pirates yesterday launched a deadly attack on barges and boats along the waterways of Nembe in Nembe Local Government area of Bayelsa State, killing four policemen, abducting six oil workers.

The attack, which was carried out separately on Friday, threw boat operators into confusion and security operatives under tension.

Leadership Sunday gathered that the gunmen also seized a gunboat belonging to the Marine component of the Nigeria Police Force in an incident that occurred at about 1.30pm on Friday.

The gunboat was said to be escorting a barge owned by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) when it came under attack.It was gathered that the sea pirates who operated on a speedboat, laid ambush for the gunboat and opened fire on the policemen.

The Four policemen escorting a barge belonging to Italian oil giant, Eni also known has Nigerian Agip Oil Company were reportedly killed by some sea robbers during an exchange of fire.

They were said to have disposed the dead policemen of their rifles, Uniforms and later took control of the gunboat. It was learnt that the incident which occurred along Santa Barbara and Nembe waterways caused panic among travellers.

A senior security source, who confirmed the report on condition of anonymity, said three policemen and the gunboat operator were killed after the gunmen hijacked the boat. He identified the boat driver as a civilian adding that the bodies of the policemen had been recovered.

It was said to have delayed the movement of persons traveling to Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area, for the funeral of former Governor Tmipre Sylva’s uncle.

Most of the guests for the burial were said to have waited at Ogbia and Amakalakal jetty till after the gunmen finished their operation.

A security source who pleaded anonymity said the hoodlums were not interested in the Agip barge and its occupants. He, however, said three policemen and the gunboat operator were kidnapped after the gunmen hijacked the boat.

He said: “Policemen escorting Agip barge were attacked on Friday. The gunboat and the policemen were all taken away. The policemen were three including the driver of the boat making them four.”

----------------

View the original article here