Nigerians Held By Somali Pirates Feel Abandoned

Posted: July 27, 2012 - 22:09

Posted by siteadmin

By SaharaReporters, New York

Family members of Nigerians hijacked by Somali pirates have deplored the Federal Government’s indifference to their relatives’ plight.

On March 2nd, 2012, Somali pirates hijacked a Nigeria-bound vessel, MT Royal Grace, off the Gulf of Eden. The vessel’s 22 crew members have been held hostage ever since.

“It seems the Jonathan administration has abandoned my son and other Nigerian citizens in the hands of pirates in a lawless, no man’s land,” said the father of one of the hijacked crew members. He added that the hijacked crew members were being kept in Puntland, a breakaway section of Somalia.

Several family members of the hostages said they had continued to plead with the owner of the vessel for the past three months to help effect the release of their relatives without success. They stated that the ship owner, who is reported to be a Nigerian, claimed he had done all within his power to enlist the Nigerian government’s help to secure the release of the crew and his vessel to no avail. SaharaReporters learnt that the hijackers are currently demanding over $3 million for the release of the vessel and the hostages.

General Andrew Owoye Azazi (ret.), former National Security Adviser to Mr. Jonathan, had set up a committee to advise the government on steps to secure the release of the vessel and the crew men. But Mr. Azazi was fired before the committee could submit its report.

A source told SaharaReporters that the committee submitted its findings to the newly appointed National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (ret.), adding that Mr. Dasuki has been reluctant to attend to the issue.

“Our bread winners are in the hands of pirates who have threatened to execute them any time from now, but the government is not caring,” said the wife of a hostage.

A security source disclosed that Mr. Dasuki is only focused on his ongoing negotiations with members of Boko Haram, the militant Islamist group. The source revealed that the Jonathan administration was daily moving billions of naira through Mr. Dasuki in an ostensible plan to appease members of Boko Haram. The source surmised that the huge amount being spent on a so-called peace plan with Boko Haram was one reason Mr. Dasuki and the Jonathan administration have shown no interest in the plight of Nigerians in the custody of dreaded Somali pirates.

The relatives of the hostages say their hopes were hanging on President Jonathan. “If President Jonathan does not bother to look into this situation, then our people are facing the death penalty from their hijackers,” one of them said.

Several family members expressed disappointment with the Nigerian press for failure to highlight the plight of hostages. “Nigerian newspapers have not done anything to raise awareness on the suffering of the hostages and those of us who are their relatives,” said the father of a crew member.

Contacted by SaharaReporters, a member of the House of Representatives who has been helping the hostages’ families decried the nonchalance of the government. “The thinking in certain circles is that the crew men are being considered by security officials as of no economic value to the nation,” said the legislator. “As far as they are concerned, the pirates can execute the crew men,” he added, stating that “a nation that ignores its citizens is a doomed nation.”

During a previous hostage crisis in which Somali pirates held 11 Nigerian crew members hostage for over 10 months, it was the US media and SaharaReporters that reported on the hostages’ plight. The foreign media’s efforts not only raised awareness around the globe but also triggered pressure from Nigerians resident abroad.

In the end, then Foreign Affairs Minister, Ojo Maduekwe, and former Minister of Defense, Shettima Mustafa, lied to the Nigerian public that they were instrumental to the release of the crew of MV Yenogoa. Mr. Maduekwe stated that the MV Yenogoa and its crew regained their freedom through “citizen diplomacy.” He then boasted that “This concept makes the citizens the focus of the nation’s foreign policy.” Mr. Maduekwe claimed then that the “Federal Government succeeded in an area where the most powerful nations of the world had failed,” referring to failed attempts by both the US and UK governments to rescue their citizens in Somalia.

Mr. Maduekwe’s claims failed to acknowledge that it was the commitment and passion of the hostages’ family members that led to the release of the captives.

“Sadly, the present Jonathan government seems to be making the same mistake that almost led to the hostages being executed by the pirates in Somalia,” said the member of the House of Representatives. “Now we are back to the very situation where the Nigerian government is once again refusing to come to the aid of her citizens caught in the troubled waters of Somalia,” he added.

In an air of desperation, a family member of one of the hostages said, “As we count the hours and minutes to the day the pirates have promised to execute their Nigerian hostages, only time will tell if President Jonathan will act to save their lives.”

Comments

59 comment(s)

why are d boko haram bombs quiet now?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 29, 2012 - 13:08.

there are strong indications that the recent hostility in some parts of Plateau State where over 160 innocent people, including two lawmakers,were killed has further worsened the relationship among Northern governors and caused a sharp division among them.It would be recalled that a group of terrorists suspected to be Fulani herdsmen from neighbouring Niger and Chad republics invaded some parts of Barkin Ladi and Riyom local govenment areas of the state and snuffed lives out of the inhabitants, including Senator Gyang Dantong and Majority Leader, Plateau State House of Assembly, Honourable Gyang Fulani.A source revealed that through out the mourning period, only a handful of governors from the North visited or called to commiserate with the state government over the calamity.

There are strong indications

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 29, 2012 - 13:00.

There are strong indications that the recent hostility in some parts of Plateau State where over 160 innocent people, including two lawmakers,
were killed has further worsened the relationship among Northern governors and caused a sharp division among them.It would be recalled that a group of terrorists suspected to be Fulani herdsmen from neighbouring Niger and Chad republics invaded some parts of Barkin Ladi and Riyom local govenment areas of the state and snuffed lives out of the inhabitants, including Senator Gyang Dantong and Majority Leader, Plateau State House of Assembly, Honourable Gyang Fulani.A source revealed that through out the mourning period, only a handful of governors from the North visited or called to commiserate with the state government over the calamity.

free d hostages now

Submitted by DERI (not verified) on July 29, 2012 - 12:09.

@Mr. TRUSTWORTHY and Co. Deri will never shy away from the battle of wits here-real or imagined, actual or manufactered by haters of GEJ on SR. We were not called tribalist when we supported Abiola and late Gani with the whole of our being! Truth of the matter is that the ongoing smear campaign against GEJ, are politically motivated. The idea is aimed at getting rid of him period. How do you raise so much dust againt a Gov which is only 1 year old. Heap all the problem we have been having for the past 52 yrs on him. And you call that justice? I witnessed the same evil things being said against GEJ, poured on Awo, Abiola and late Gani-did the fulani north not say late Gani was too erratic 2 be presido? Why was Abiola killed by them? Buhari is the biggest racist to be cloned in 9ja-go check the history of his anti-corruption crusade-its was on d south West, EAST and SS. Is BH not quiet since Dasuki? What was the magic? Has he 7 heads and 52 legs?

DOUBLE MOUTH SPEAKING DERI - GEJ

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 29, 2012 - 10:29.

See what one so called DERI wrote below: “Its funny that Sambo Dasuki can over ride with impunity the true feelings of GEJ then play the blame game-the fault lies with GEJ. And u have 9jas buy into the lies! That Boko haram is the armed wing of the Fulani hegemonic tree is no longer in doubt”.
I laugh at this guy’s double mouth speaking.
This so called Deri and GEJ know that Boko haram is the armed wing of the Fulani hegemonic tree but do not know that Dasuki was ADC of IBB who is confessed/alleged to be sponsor of Boko Haram? GEJ & DERI don’t know that IBB’s loyal ADC cannot represent the security interest of non muslims?
Deri pls see these pictures of the dead Plateau minority children here many of who’s parents may have voted GEJ in the name of minority, “Christianity”, etc. http://www.anglicandioceseofjos.org/dogo.html. I feel sorry for those who voted for GEJ and who defend him on tribal, etc basis.

MMmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!??

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 29, 2012 - 10:11.

Thank u Mr. TRUSTWORTHY. Too bad many are blinded by tribalism/religion to support even a mediocre like GEJ just because they come from the same tribe/area. Nigerians don’t see Buhari 4 who he is. Buhari is principled, honest and loves justice & rule of law and will hold ANYONE accountable. Buhari will punish his son if he is wayward. Buhari is against his supporters who cause arson. He will force order on them if in power. In Abuja now fanatical muslims are building mosques everywhere they choose and parking cars on the road on Fridays above Law. El Rufai pulled down such mosques but your son, brother, "Christian brother" GEJ looks the other way bcos the muslim fanatics are just anoda political block. I just found out that Ghana VP is a Christian- no dirty backward quota/zoning/"NATIONAL CHARACTER". Dasuki who was IBB’s ADC & loyal to IBB is now discussing Nigeria's security in “d Bedroom” with GEJ?????!!!!!!!.

VOTING FOR GEJ!!!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 29, 2012 - 10:07.

VERY SAD!!!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 29, 2012 - 10:07.

Tribalism, injustice and failure

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 29, 2012 - 10:05.

Thank u Mr. TRUSTWORTHY. Too bad many are blinded by tribalism/religion to support even a mediocre like GEJ just because they come from the same tribe/area. Nigerians don’t see Buhari 4 who he is. Buhari is principled, honest and loves justice & rule of law and will hold ANYONE accountable. Buhari will punish his son if he is wayward. Buhari is against his supporters who cause arson. He will force order on them if in power. In Abuja now fanatical muslims are building mosques everywhere they choose and parking cars in middle of roads on Fridays above Law. El Rufai pulled down such mosques but your son, brother, "Christian brother" GEJ looks the other way bcos the muslim fanatics are just anoda political block. I just found out that Ghana VP is a Christian- no dirty backward quota/zoning/"NATIONAL CHARACTER". Dasuki who was IBB’s ADC & loyal to IBB is now discussing security in “d Bedroom” with GEJ?????!!!!!!!.

Tribalism, injustice and failure

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 29, 2012 - 10:04.

Tribalism, injustice and failure

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 29, 2012 - 10:03.

VOTING FOR GEJ!!!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 29, 2012 - 10:01.

Nigerian Senators earn more than US president, Barack Obama

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 29, 2012 - 06:33.

Nigerian Senators earn more than US president, Barack Obama
- See Full list of allowances

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free the hostages now- ss oil money is not for BH

Submitted by DERI (not verified) on July 29, 2012 - 05:12.

Its funny that Sambo Dasuki can over ride with impunity the true feelings of GEJ, concerning his plans to have the hostages in Somalia freed. But cant because of the desire of one man to satisfy the needs of boko haram. This has been the problem with 9ja since our freedom from the Brits. Until power is handed over to one small Fulani man, they will do all in their power to make life difficult 4 u. Then like the hypocrites that they are, play the blame game-the fault lies with GEJ. And u have 9jas buy into the lies! That Boko haram is the armed wing of the Fulani hegemonic tree is no longer in doubt. It has come to stay with us. What remains to be seen is how the North Central would also clone their own armed groups. They are the only zone without one for now> For its hard for me to understand why money should be spent to appease satanic sect groups like Boko haram @ d expense of the oil revenue of the SS people.

TIT FOR TAT

Submitted by Gabus (not verified) on July 29, 2012 - 01:50.

Are there no Somalians in Nigeria? What about Somalian Govt representatives? Kidnap them and Somalian Government will rescue our people and we release their own. After all, we can do it better and neater than they can, Tit-for-tat.

Its not a democracy

Submitted by EBIBI (not verified) on July 29, 2012 - 00:35.

all the bourgeoisies we have in the present administration currently practice a democracy that is different from that defined by Theodore Parker as “a government of all the people, by all the people, and for all the people.” . Their form of democracy is one which I have defined as a government of GEJ by GEJ, his friends and family and for GEJ.

Its high time The government of GEJ place value in Nigerians.

the fault lies with almighty Dasuki and not Jonathan

Submitted by DERI (not verified) on July 28, 2012 - 23:43.

Nigerians abusing the president should be very careful here. The should realise that there are people placed in charge of these matters. Its therefore not the fault of jonathan that nigerians who voted for him should be locked up in far away somalia. The crew men put in chains by somali pirates are also there through no fault of theirs. The issue of Somali pirates , apart from being a global problem, the boat was seized while on its way to Nigeria. And the story here is that Azazi set up a body to look into the matter-but left before they could complete their job-now we have Sambo Dasuki-who does not seem to be interested in the issue-because of his involvement with boko haram. Why should government even negotiate with murderers in the first place? Dasuki should do well to bring these BH criminals to book. For the hostages the president should do all to rescue them-as soon as possible-since the pirates operate along the same evil wave length with boko haram.

@Giff wake up-the abll is in d court of Dasuki

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 28, 2012 - 23:26.

Gift if the crew men were carrying drugs you think Gen Azazi would set a body to look into the matter? Have you ever heard or seen a boat seized by Somali pirates carrying drugs before. Nigerians are about to be executed by Somali pirates and you are asking if the boat were carrying drugs-dont you know what the somalis do for a living-hijack boats.

@Giff wake up-the abll is in d court of Dasuki

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 28, 2012 - 23:19.

It is important that

Submitted by TJohnson (not verified) on July 28, 2012 - 21:47.

It is important that Jonanthan administration do all it can do to effect the release of the hostages. It must stay in constant contact with the family. The Administration must show that it genuinely care. We cannot treat our citizens like garbage. However I am oppose to the Nigerian government paying ransom to this Somalia terrorists.A Government cant be paying ransom money to terrorists and kidnappers or it will never end.That bring me to the satanic Boko haram in Nigeria. If Jonanthan Administration start moving billions of naira in an attempt to appease this terrorist organization then he ought to resign period. This will tantamount to dancing on the graves of the hundreds of innocent Nigerian citizens that died in the hand of this terrorist group. I am hoping it is not true.

i just wonder!

Submitted by kingrudolf (not verified) on July 28, 2012 - 20:14.

sometimes i wonder if the president does not hear of this things or if does who are suppose handle things like this are not in the office, or maybe like the lawmaker said “The thinking in certain circles is that the crew men are being considered by security officials as of no economic value to the nation,” how can a country leaders think like that!

How do you expect a dummy

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 28, 2012 - 19:52.

How do you expect a dummy president to act? Jonathan is fake and he cannt do any thing. President who drink Apeteshi always and forget about what to do at the right time. Mr jonathan better stop to drink Ogogoro it make you sleep to much.

Things would have been

Submitted by àiyèkóõtò (not verified) on July 28, 2012 - 19:35.

Things would have been different if only they claimed to be Ghanaians, the biggest mistake they made was claiming to be Nigerians.

They need to keep praying just like the Nigerian does about everything.

Ransom..

Submitted by Bo (not verified) on July 28, 2012 - 19:35.

It is always easy to blame the president for everything.

Yes, it is true that our leasders have no value for Nigeria citizens lifes. And that can be seen by the state of infrastructure,(if I can call it that), and roads in Nigeria.

As far as I am aware a lot of western goverments do not pay ransome to terrorists or pirates.
But what they are very good at, is the behind the scene negotiations and contacts by the foreign office and foreign secretary for the safe release of thier citizens. And if that fails, where there is a window of opportunity, rescue attempt will be carried out.

By the the way, the owner of the vessel should be playing active role in this carry on, And I am not saying they are not, as I don't know.

Rather than somewhat be anti President Jonathan all the time, Sahara reporters can also take
active role by helping to raise funds from fellow Higerians home and abroad.

i weep 4 mi nation

Submitted by ifylux (not verified) on July 28, 2012 - 19:21.

The NSA shud held b resposible,jus mayb d president may nt b aware of dis issues or his NSA has bin assurin him dat all was well.is a pity dat we are being ruled by vagabonds,dat has no pity 4 its citizen.my fellow naija,wat d hostages need at dis moment is our prayers 4 dere safe release.

GOVT PLS COME TO THEIR AID

Submitted by Gist Naija (not verified) on July 28, 2012 - 18:45.

that is the problem with our govt. I wonder what the affected families are passing through. Jonathan pls look in to this issue and rescue our citizens.

No vex bros

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 28, 2012 - 18:17.

Bros we self we de under hostage from brother Joe and his cabal,so make you no vex ,biko!! Just hand over your faith to God

It is a pity....

Submitted by Aliyu (not verified) on July 28, 2012 - 18:06.

My advice 2 d family of d kidnape d persons is 2 possibly run around 2 frnds, families, relatives&whoev er they think can help them 2 gat her some money, substantial enou gh according 2 there capacity, pac kage it wt a strong worded letter thru d U.S., UK or any respectable foreign nation 2 plead wt d senses of d kidnappers telling them d real situation of d Nigeria society, may be ds can catch there attention&re lease those in there captivity. Bco s as per waitn 4 Nigeria govt 2 res pond appropriately 2 save ds boys frm there captors den wl b suicidal

u son of a bastard try 2

Submitted by knw what 2 say (not verified) on July 28, 2012 - 17:40.

u son of a bastard try 2 control ur mouth and dnt ever mention dat name againg

Where is Deri and likes

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 28, 2012 - 17:35.

i know Deri will never comment on issue like this that is to show how brainless, selfish and heartless those from SS can be.
i think the best option is for Nigeria to go separate and see if the so called SS will not turn refuges in other part of the country within shortest time of independence.

The victims relations should

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on July 28, 2012 - 16:41.

The victims relations should take heart. Nothing will happen to those guys. The trap of the Somali pirates has caught toad instead of grass cutter. At the end of the day they will release them. Didn't they know those are Nigerians, with no leadership at home or anyone to care for the hostages? They are wasting their time thinking bro Jona cares. Jona is a goon only good with Deziani. He has even abandoned his barrel-shaped umblerra for Deziani. To please umblerra, make her look the other way while he shines Deziani, he advised Dickson of Bayelsa to make umblerra a permanent secretary for life, so that she can carry first as the first wife of president to become a perm sec. I weep for Nija.

Nigerians Held By Somali Pirates Feel Abandoned

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