Panic as pirates abduct security operative, Conoil workers in Bayelsa

Suspected sea pirates have abducted an operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and four civilians attached to the kitchen contractor working with the Conoil Plc located in Koluama 1 in Southern Ijaw Local Government area of the State.

Daily Trust gathered that they were abducted while on their way to Koluama 1 with supplies for the kitchen contractor, on Wednesday.

The abducted NSCDC official identified as Kalifa is an indigene of Igarra in Edo State.

Locals informed journalists that the abducted officials are working for Conoil along the creeks, It was also gathered that the sea pirates are demanding N25million for their release.

They hinted that the community youths are making efforts to secure the release of the abducted persons unharmed.

Spokesman of the NSCDC in Bayelsa State, Solomon Ogbere, confirmed the report.

“It’s a confirmed story. One of our officers and four civilians were kidnapped last Wednesday while heading to their location where they protect ConOil facilities.”

“They were all on mufti while returning to their base when they were attacked. Investigation is ongoing to track down the culprits,” he said.

Just last week, sea pirates attacked and killed an NSCDC official and two oil workers, while seven others were kidnapped at the creek of Nembe local government area of the state.

The state government had earlier imposed a curfew on the waterways and also banned the use of speedboats with 200 Horse Power Engines on all waterways in the state.

Efforts to speak with the spokesman for Conoil, Mr Abiodun Azeez, was not successful as he neither answered calls nor replied the text message sent to him. Daily Trust