Seafarers groan over ban on movements beyond 4.30 pm on Port Harcourt-Bille route in Rivers

*Local authorities cite insecurity of lives and properties

Seafarers groan over ban on movements beyond 4.30 pm on Port Harcourt-Bille route in Rivers

*Local authorities cite insecurity of lives and properties

Seafarers who ply Port Harcourt to Bille waterways groan over the sudden ban placed on movements to the coastal communities that can only be accessed by boats as announced by Dr Tony Philmoore, the Degema local government Council Chairman

In announcement personally signed by him today, said:”Sequel to recent security reports, henceforth, marine vehicles are hereby prohibited to travel from Bille to Port Harcourt and from Port Harcourt to Bille after 4:30pm until further notice. Any driver caught flouting this order shall have himself to blame.

“Meanwhile the good people of Degema Local Area are requested to be vigilant and report suspicious characters in their domain to security operatives without delay.”

Furthermore, parents are warned to rein in their children as anyone caught on the wrong side of the law shall be severely dealt with.”

Not much details were given that may have led to the restriction of movement in that axis. 

A boat Operator  Boma Iyalla who plies that route expressed surprise at the ban, because it would affect movements and revenue because it therefore means that speedboats can only make one trip per day with only 14 passengers on board.

Seafarers forced to surrender during hijack by Sea pirates.

“Perhaps because of the rising tidal waves during this period and to curtail night travels, the local government decided to restrict movements to 4.30pm”

It is not clear if the ban also affects those in critical sector like oil and gas prospecting, especially offshore oil workers.

Most traders, especially fishermen would ply the route to Port Harcourt to market their goods will most affected by recent restriction.

However, our Correspondent recalls that Bille and Port Harcourt route in the waterways have been volatile in area of Sea pirates hijack of goods, boats and kidnapping for ransom.