Yenogoa, July 7, 2023 – The Bayelsa State Government on Friday handed over two fishermen from Sao Tome and Principe’s who lost their way on the Gulf of Guinea to the Head of the country’s mission in Nigeria.
The two fishermen, Antonio Sabino and Osorio Pires from Neves in Sa Tome and Principe, got lost in the Atlantic Ocean for five days before they were rescued in Brass local government area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
The fishermen, who speak Portuguese, were rescued by a trawler fishing in the Gulf of Guinea and handed over to fishermen from Okpoama-Brass who took them ashore.
They were handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Okpoama Division of the Nigeria Police Force, CSP Ebimiesigha Bebetu.
Gov. Douye Diri, speaking during the formal handover, lauded the local fishermen in Okpoama community in Brass Local Government of the state, who rescued their fellow fishermen on the Atlantic Ocean.
He said they demonstrated the true spirit of an Ijaw man, who cares for his brothers and humanity in general.
The governor said the action of the Bayelsa fishermen underscored the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the neighbouring country.
Diri said that once they were rescued, his administration through the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Pabara Igwele, made sure that they were provided the necessary health care.
He hailed the effort of the government of Sao Tome and Principe in showing concern for its citizens even though they were fishermen, saying it showed that they truly valued their citizens.
The Bayelsa Governor also commended the role of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in the rescue of the fishermen and again called for the agency’s presence in Bayelsa and other coastal states to take care of such situations.
“I am really very proud of our fishermen who exhibited their Ijawness because the Ijaw man is very hospitable and loves humanity”.
“Let me also appreciate the Government of Sao Tome and Principe for going after their citizens who went missing on the Atlantic Ocean for over one week while trying to navigate their way on the sea and the Gulf of Guinea drifted them to the Nigerian boundary.”
Responding, the Sao Tome and Principe Head of Mission to Nigeria, Pires Dos Santos Aguiar, expressed appreciation to the Bayelsa State Government and Nigeria for their effort to rescue his countrymen.
He said the action of Bayelsa and Nigeria had strengthened the relationship between both countries. (GBN)
