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Gunmen Abduct Four Market Women In Bayelsa Boat Attack
All passengers were reportedly robbed of their money and valuables during the assault, but four women were forcibly taken away to an undisclosed location.
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State– Gunmen have abducted four women following an attack on a passenger boat along the waterways of Foropa in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when the assailants intercepted a local boat conveying 12 female traders who had departed the Swali Ultra-Modern Market jetty in Yenagoa.
All passengers were reportedly robbed of their money and valuables during the assault, but four women were forcibly taken away to an undisclosed location.
Confirming the incident on Thursday in Yenagoa, Selekaye Victor-Ben, a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 4, condemned the abduction and called for immediate intervention by the state government and security agencies.
“This cowardly attack on innocent citizens, who were simply trying to earn their livelihoods, is not only an affront to our shared humanity but also a grave threat to the peace and economic well-being of our constituency and the entire state,” Victor-Ben said.
He urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to act swiftly to ensure the safe and unconditional release of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The safety and security of our waterways is paramount, and urgent steps must be taken to enhance surveillance and patrols to prevent future occurrences of such heinous crimes,” he added.
Victor-Ben called on the state government to implement sustainable measures that will secure the region’s maritime routes and protect those who depend on them for daily survival.