Ogona Anita
Residents of Bille coastal Communities On Monday stormed Port Harcourt in Rivers State, took to the streets to protest the incessant sea pirate attacks, and kidnappings in their communities, saying routine journey along the Port Harcourt-Bille Waterway is now unsafe.
The protesters clad in black attire and held placards bearing inscriptions like ‘Live pictures: Don’t Allow Sea Pirates Take Over Our Waterways’, Bring Back Governor Fubara’, ‘Bille Kingdom says no to sea piracy’ ’Our husbands, sons and children writing WAEC are always kidnapped’ ‘Come to our aid, stop the attacks and the killings’.
The protesters went through the streets of Port Harcourt, stormed the Rivers State Government, and asked the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, to come to their aid.
In their statement, the protesters demand immediate interventions by deploying Security Patrols, requesting marine police and naval units along the Bille waterways to deter criminal activity and restore safety.
And for the Government to support Affected Families with emergency relief, medical care, and social assistance.
Receiving the protesters on behalf of Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, the Government House Commandant, said the sole administrator has heard the protesters’ plea and promised to act quickly to stop the pirates’ attacks.
The protesters also went to the Rivers state Police Command, Moscow Road, to register their grievances.
Below is the communique read by the protesters.
SPEECH PRESENTATION AT RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT HOUSE BY MR. PETERS OBENE, CHAIRMAN, BILLE COMMUNITY, PORT HARCOURT ON THE 12TH MAY 2025
Your Excellency,
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.), Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Honorable Government Officials, Esteemed Security Representatives, Community Leaders, and. Concerned Citizens,
Today, we gather here with heavy hearts and urgent voices to bring to your attention a grave security challenge that threatens the very foundation of lives/properties within the Bille kingdom territory, including riverine settlements in Rivers State.
On 6th May 2025, innocent travelers- men, women, and children- embarked on a routine journey along the Port Harcourt-Bille Waterway, unaware of the terror that awaited them.
Heavily armed criminals intercepted their boat, abducted passengers, looted belongings, and left families shattered in fear and uncertainty.
As we speak today, many remain missing, and their loved ones are living in agony, uncertain of their fate.
This recurring nightmare of piracy and abduction is no longer just an unfortunate incident; it is a direct assault on our people, our livelihoods, and the very existence of riverine communities. Every day, we live under the shadow of insecurity. Traders hesitate to transport goods, students fear going to school, patients struggle to reach hospitals—all because the waterways we depend on have become a battleground for terror.
Your Excellency, our communities have always trusted in the leadership and governance of Rivers State. We stand before you today, not with anger, but with urgent hope, hope that your administration will hear our cry, act swiftly, and
In light of this worsening crisis, we respectfully appeal for the following
Immediate interventions:
Deployment of Security Patrols: We request marine police and naval units along the Bille waterways to deter criminal activity and restore safety.
Search and Rescue Operations: Immediate action is needed to locate and secure the release of kidnapped victims.
Creation of Permanent Marine Security Outposts – Establish strategic checkpoints at vulnerable transit points to prevent future attacks.
Collaboration with Community Leaders and Security Agencies: Engage local authorities and vigilante groups for intelligence gathering and early warning systems.
Government Support for Affected Families: – Provide emergency relief, medical care, and social assistance to the families devastated by this incident.
Your Excellency, the riverine communities are crying out for help. We believe in your leadership, and we trust that decisive action will be taken to ensure that no other innocent traveler suffers the fate that befell the victims of May 6th.
We remain committed to peace, dialogue, and cooperation, but we also stand firm in our demand for security, justice, and protection. The future of our communities; our livelihoods, and our dignity depends on the swift response of the government and security forces.
We appreciate your timé, your leadership, and your commitment to service.
May your administration be remembered for its decisiveness in protecting all citizens, including those who live along and depend on our waterways.
Thank you, and may Rivers State continue to thrive in peace and security.
