Reclamation Jobs Suffer Setback In Bayelsa … As Gunmen Abduct Firms’ Workers

Shore protection and reclamation jobs in Opuama? waters in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have been stalled following the abduction of unspecified number of staff engaged by the contracting firms.

The gunmen, who operated in a speedboat, were said to have snatched their victims early last Friday and took them to an unknown place.

The victims are workers of Beks Nigeria Ltd and M. Sidom Ltd that were engaged by NDDC early this year to carry out the jobs.

Sources close to the two firms said the abductors had contacted them and were asking the companies to pay N6 million ransom on each of the victims.

However, a security source claimed that three? of the victims have been identified and gave their names as Anukuru Godwin, Samuel Edeh and Jackson Ibani.

The development, The Tide learnt has forced the firms to close shop.

This new development is said to be  causing tension and anxiety both at the security circles and among government officials against the claim of heavy expenditure on security for such workers.

Another source said “the kidnappers caused panic in the area. They have contacted the companies, but are yet to state their terms. We are monitoring the situation.”

Meanwhile,? a speedboat conveying workers of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) was attacked on Bonny Island, Rivers State, at the weekend.

The workers were reportedly attacked at Cawthorne Channel on their way to carry out repairs on SPDC facilities.

“The attack came from unknown pirates. The victims were maintenance workers of the SPDC. No casualty was recorded. Security agencies posted to the area contained the attackers.” A security agent told reporters.

Police spokesman Alex Akhigbe said he heard about the incident but was yet to get details.

“I am still making efforts to reach the District Police Officer (DPO) in the area,” he said.