Fresh concerns over Bonny boat captain

THERE are currently fresh concerns in Bonny, a bustling commercial island of Rivers State that is home to the mega-billions Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) plant over the whereabouts of a government boat captain that was abducted by gunmen some five weeks ago on the island's waterways. 

Concerned citizens in the area are already accusing the Bonny Council Chairman, Edward Pepple, of insensitivity to the plight of the family of the boat captain, Nsikak Effiong Nyong.

Nyong was the captain of the ill-fated Bonny Local Government boat, Ibanise, who was whisked away over a month ago along the Port Harcourt – Bonny waterways by unidentified gunmen.

His family members from Ikot Utenya in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State are threatening to hold the council boss responsible for the disappearance of their breadf winner if he allegedly continues to exhibit non-chalant attitude towards their plight.

Sister of the abducted boat captain, Kate Effiong Nyong is claiming that since the incident occured, the local government chairman has not thought it necessary to sympathise with them. This, according to her, ''shows the chairman’s gross insensitivity to what our family is going through''.

Continuing, she claimed that the family has been in mourning mood since the boat captain's abduction, pointing out  that they have been in dilemma as to whether he has been killed or still alive.”

Adding, she said, ''we are looking forward to a situation where the chairman will make efforts to see if there is anything that can be done in collaboration with the family. We are beginning to feel that there is no benefit to serve of your motherland if people in position of authority cannot reciprocate or recognize your loyalty in your times of need''.