The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) strongly condemns the recent abduction of Chief Ubi Itam Ettah (Bomboy) in unequivocal terms. He was reportedly whisked away by gun-wielding men on Monday, August 9 2021, from his business premises along the Ikom – Calabar highway in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The abduction of Chief Ubi Itam Ettah typifies the height of insanity. It is indeed unfathomable that these unknown gunmen could target a fast developing and lively town like Ugep Urban and successfully carry out such an evil act. The unfortunate incident happened in this solemn period when preparations are in top gear to welcome home both indigenes within Nigeria and diaspora and tourists alike who throng Ugep to enjoy the pomp and pageantry of the Ugep Leboku Festival and the Yakurr International Leboku Festival, 2021 edition.
In the not too distant past, we recall the wanton raiding of business outfits by armed non-state elements within Yakurr Local Government Area, leading to yet to be resolved cold-blooded murder of some well-known industrialists and economic actors in Ugep. These incessant acts of harassing, intimidating, kidnapping, and in some cases, the outright murder of tax compliant law-abiding citizens and key investors in the Yakurr/Cross River State economy are totally unacceptable and highly condemnable because they degrade bourgeoning socio-economic investments in the area.
We, therefore, urge the perpetrators of this evil act to release Chief Ubi Itam Ettah (Bomboy) unconditionally so he can be reunited with his family. We wish to use this medium to call on all relevant stakeholders, including the Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area Council, the Obol Lopon of Ugep and Paramount Ruler of Yakurr L.G.A, and all security agencies in the State to galvanise and deploy the necessary resources and synergise towards ensuring the safe release of Chief Ubi Itam Ettah. We also task the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Professor Benedict Ayade, the Chief Security Officer of the State, to revamp the state security architecture and coverage adequately. This will enable effective policing of every nook and cranny of the State and ensures that such hideous crimes are promptly arrested and nipped in the bud.
As an organisation that espouses humanistic ideals, we believe that the security and wellbeing of all persons require sustainable underground tactics and the provision of necessary logistics (including forensic technology) for all security agencies. One of the Pyrates Confraternity ideals is premised on the fact that every law-abiding citizen deserves adequate protection, especially by Government. The Pyrates Confraternity will continue to partner with all security agencies and other relevant stakeholders in the fight against all forms of crime in the society.
Emmanuel Ibor
Zonal President (Cap’n)
National Association of Seadogs – NAS (Pyrates Confraternity), Ugep Chapter, CRS.
August 10, 2021.
