INDICATIONS emerged on Monday that the gradual withdrawal of the Joint Military Task Force from the Niger Delta had sparked off a series of attacks against travellers on Delta waterways by people suspected to be pirates.
Already, over 10 people were feared killed in about three attacks that occurred at Kokori-Egwa area on the Escravos River.
A violent attack that claimed over two lives and left many people seriously injured was recorded at the same area on Monday.
Armed robbers suspected to be pirates had laid in ambush for three speedboats travelling to Warri at about 9am.
They were said to have robbed the travellers of their valuables and later disappeared with one of the speedboats.
One of the victims of the attack, who identified himself simply as Prince, claimed that the boat teken away was carrying about 21 passengers.
It was gathered that the pirates, after killing some and inflicting injuries on many, transferred their goods into an empty boat and sped off.
Escravos waterways bing many communities in the area were said to have been under the control of dreadful pirates who unleashed terror on travellers after the departure of the JTF.
It was learnt that the first attack that occurred on Thursday, happened a day after the JTF pulled out from the area.
About two people were said to have lost their lives with many sustaining injuries in the attack against a local boat occupied by community artisans who were on their way to Warri for business.
The continued attacks on hapless traders who depend on their business activities in Warri for survival were said to have crippled the economy of the riverine communities.
Worried by the attacks that mostly involved women, members of the affected communities, on Monday, embarked on a protest march to the Government House Annex, Warri, to register their grievances.
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