Canoe was the major means of transportation in the riverine communities, especially in Rivers State centuries ago. This means of transportation has passed from one generation to another. And therefore will be difficult to abandon or withdraw from as it is the core transportation system of the people because of the terrain.
In the 18th century to late 19th century, water transport was merely the use of canoe and paddle. And the ferrymen were in charge in terms of carrying people and goods from one village to another. It was seen to be tedious and time-consuming, but the fact is that people must move to transact their businesses. And that alone has made the burden less, despite the slow movement of the canoe. Indeed, it is worthy to note that sea piracy is alien and strange to Rivers people. The reason being that the waterways were safe and free from insecurity.  Also the ferrymen paddled according to the current of the tide.
The waterways are free from traffic hike and pot-holes. And indeed, the introduction of horse power engines ranging from 40 to 75 horse power makes travelling by river or sea an expedition and sight-seeing. The journey is also fast and free of boat mishaps. The people of riverine communities suddenly came to realise that the routes to their communities are not safe again as a result of the emergence of sea pirates. This has become a thorn in the flesh of drivers, passengers and traders.
Sea pirates waylay the drivers in some cases make away with their engines and passengers’ goods. This has caused a serious outcry. But the menace is on the increase as drivers and passengers are attacked daily in riverine communities. Recently, a speed boat carrying passengers from New Road Bridge to Ngo the headquarters of Andoni was attacked by sea pirates and their belongings were made away with. In less one month four pirates attacks were recorded in Andoni Local Government Area. Another disturbing attack was the one on the fishermen in Oyorokoto fishing settlement. The sea pirates would always attack the fishermen and collect fishes and engines.
Thus, the Bonny and Okrika axis is another nightmare. The incessant attack by sea pirates has caused untold hardship to boat operators and passengers. At a point the boat operators declared that they could not work again as the route was not safe for them again. The story is the same in the Kalabari axis as boat operators were sharing their terrible and horrifying experiences in the hands of sea pirates. The sea pirates attacks are affecting the livelihood of Rivers people, especially those in the riverine communities. Today, travelers do not travel late in the afternoon.
The Federal Government should mobilise the Navy and Marine Police to navigate and police the waterways for safety to be restored. Some passengers have lost their lives as a result of sea pirates attacks. Therefore, safety awareness campaign should be carried out. Communication gadgets should be provided to report emergency and sea pirates attacks on the sea. There is need for check points on the sea as it is done on the major high ways in the country.  The sea pirates see the sea as a secured environment to commit their nefarious acts.
Boat operators should engage in networking to know what is happening in their area of operation. There is need to restore safety on the waterways as to encourage investors to invest in the riverine communities. Suspicious boats should be reported to security agents manning the waterways for proper surveillance. Riverine people need safety of the waterways.
In those days, Marine Police used to secure the waterways effectively and this kind of situation hardly occurred. Though the marine division of Nigerian Police is still there, its presence is no longer felt, hence the use of the navy.
Policing our waterways is as good and important as policing the non-waterways. So I don’t understand why the marine police which was established to properly secure our waterways cannot be properly equipped and financed to do their jobs.
At this time when the nation talks about the urgent need to revamp the economy by diversifying revenue base, it will be inimical to leave the waterways to the whims and caprices of criminals also known as sea pirates. The economic consequences of not checking sea pirates and leaving our waterways bare, can better be imagined than stated.
Insecurity on our waterways is further worsened by the devilish conspiracy between security agents and sea pirates. Some of the criminals involved in this act are apprehended and later let off the hook after shaming their loot with security agents. That is the reason sea piracy has continued to thrive unabated despite efforts in the past to nip it in the bud.
It is time both the federal and Rivers State government did something about it urgently. Such move by the government must begin with the realisation that sea piracy can completely destroy economic activities on the wateways. Already, we have begun to experience the dearth of sea creatures like periwinkles etc. in the market because those who fish or pick these items in the creeks, no longer do so for the safety of their lives.
There has to be a stop to this development before it goes out of hand.
Ogwuonuonu is a current affairs analyst.