Pirates operating in the waterways of Bayelsa State have killed a headmaster and carted away an unspecified amount of money meant for teachers’ salaries.
The victim, Weky Akparakazi, was killed when the gunmen attacked a passenger boat along the waterways of Aleibiri and Tuomo communities in Ekeremor Local Government of the state.
Akparakazi was said to be the head teacher of the Community Primary School, Foutorugbene, in the LGA.
Some top management of the State University Basic Education Board, who confirmed the report, said the attack occurred about 9.45pm on Wednesday.
It was learnt that the assailants waylaid their victims with matchetes and other weapons.
Those said to have sustained injuries in the attack were one Daula Garuwa of Isampou community in Yenagoa Local Government and an unidentified former secretary of education in the council.
A source said the friends of the deceased were shocked by the development and decried incessant attacks on coastal travellers by pirates.
“He was with us and visited some of his friends along the Imgbi Road area. He came for the teachers’ salaries. He left and was in a good mood. We have yet to recover from this shock,” the source, who did not want his name mentioned, said.
Giving insight into how the incident happened, the source added, “Pirates attacked the boat and unleashed violence on the passengers.
“They dispossessed everyone of their cash and valuables, including the teachers’ salaries. They pushed the injured passengers into the water and upturned the speedboat after detaching the outboard engine.”
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, said the police had not been properly briefed on the incident.
“We have directed our marine components to be on the red alert,” Akhigbe said.