The Cross River government has stated that it intends to register all boats and vessels operating in the state in order to reduce kidnappings on the waterways.
This was stated by Mr Bobby Ekpenyong, the Director General of the state waterways agency, on Wednesday in Calabar.
Ekpenyong stated that the operators would be licensed at the conclusion of the registration process, which would begin on the 1st of December.
He stated that the registration became necessary due to an increase in kidnappings and other crimes on the state’s waterways.
“Governor Ben Ayade is concerned about the ongoing kidnappings and illegal activities in the state’s waterways.”
“He has directed that the necessary measures be put in place to halt the dreadful trend.”
“I’d like to take this opportunity to remind all operators of wooden boats, fiber engine boats, and vessels that any unregistered boat or vessel operating in the state will be impounded beginning January 1,” he said.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the state has recently seen an increase in kidnappings, particularly in Calabar, with the perpetrators using the waterways as an escape route to the creeks.