Hundreds of Women Protest Over Rise in Sea Pirate Activities in Bille Kingdom

Strategic Insights -

Hundreds of women from Bille Kingdom in Degema local government area of Rivers State staged a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt, the state capital, over the rise in sea pirate activities on the Bille waterways. The protest was sparked by recent kidnappings, including one on May 6, 2025, where 16 passengers were abducted, including 13 who were traveling to sit for their West African Examination Council (WAEC) examination. The women marched through major streets in the state capital, submitting letters to the Rivers State Police Command and the Government House, demanding immediate action to address the issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • The protest was organized by hundreds of women from Bille Kingdom in response to rising sea pirate activities on the Bille waterways.
  • The women are demanding immediate action from the government to address the issue of kidnappings by sea pirates, which have resulted in the abduction of several passengers, including children who were traveling to sit for their WAEC examination.
  • The protesters submitted letters to the Rivers State Police Command and the Government House, urging the authorities to take swift action.
  • Alali Agbota Blessing, a protester, shared her personal experience of having a loved one kidnapped by sea pirates and paying a ransom of N30 million, and appealed for government intervention.
  • The protesters are mothers who are concerned about the safety of their children and are demanding that the government takes urgent action to address the issue of sea pirate activities.

Statistics:

  • 16 passengers were kidnapped by suspected sea pirates on May 6, 2025, along the Isaka River in Okrika local government area and Borokiri Rivers in Port Harcourt City local government area.
  • 13 of the kidnapped passengers were traveling to sit for their WAEC examination.
  • The ransom paid for the release of eight of the kidnapped passengers was allegedly N30 million.
  • The protesters are demanding urgent action from the government to address the issue of sea pirate activities on the Bille waterways.

Sources:

  • The protest was reported by an unnamed journalist, citing sources from the protesters and the security personnel.
  • Alali Agbota Blessing, a protester, shared her personal experience of having a loved one kidnapped by sea pirates.
  • The statements made by the Camp Commandant, Government House, and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), the sole administrator of the state.
  • The Rivers State Police Command and Government House were mentioned as receiving the letters from the protesters.