Pirates Terrorize Nigeria’s Fishing Fleet
You know something is wrong with the world when pirates are being thrown back into the mix as a result of the global fight for oil. This article breaks it down simply, in that the struggle for oil (power, money) delivers increasing violence and halting economic growth.
Nigeria is the fifth biggest exporter of oil to the U.S. And over the past few years, its oil-producing region has seen its share of criminal gangs and pirate violence and kidnappings. By increasing security and decreasing staff they have regained control, at least when it comes to precious oil. Now pirates have moved on to an easier target - slow, clunky fisherman trawler boats - and its taken a significant economic toll on the country. Fisherman are scared and don’t want to fish, and can you blame them? Can you imagine the mental anguish triggered by each trip out to sea? Today’s pirates are from the sword-carrying swashbucklers of fairy tales. Apparently, they’ve taken a cue from James Bond and now own speed boats, gadgets and advanced weapons. The fishermen haven’t stood a chance.
Gosh, this news to me doesn’t even sound real, but more like the plot of a film rather than modern day life. Yet, sadly it’s happening in the world. It’s not the only horrible thing happening of course, but it’s happening.
