Theft: Pirates Steal 2 Speedboats

There was pandemonium in the Ondewari Community of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa, following a deadly invasion by suspected sea pirates, making away with two speedboats.

The community, which is occupied by fishermen and farmers, came under attack at about 10.30pm on Monday night, leading to confusion.

LEADERSHIP gathered that though no life was lost during the attack, the sound of heavy shooting caused panic among the natives.

It was further gathered that many were forced to stay indoors for fear of being hit by stray bullets.

A source confirmed that one of the speedboats that was carted away by the hoodlums belonged to an indigene of Ondewari community.

According to the source, the speedboat was tied to a pier at the community waterfront when it was stolen but was later found floating on the river with its engine intact, an indication that it was abandoned by the pirates.

The second speedboat, it was learnt, was heading to Amassoma in the same council area when it was snatched from its owner, an indigene of Ikebiri.

Spokesman of the Bayelsa Police Command, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, said he had not been briefed about the incident.