By Abbas Nazil
In a deeply troubling incident that has triggered widespread condemnation, four Nigerian stowaways were reportedly thrown overboard by crew members of a foreign vessel while navigating the Atlantic Ocean.
The victims, who were fortunate to survive the ordeal, were rescued by a maritime logistics company owned by France-based Ekiti-born businessman, Mr. Harrison Niyi Alonge.
The alleged act has been described by authorities and stakeholders as a gross violation of international maritime laws and a serious abuse of human rights.
Ambassador Dr. Godwin Ibiang JP, Public Relations Officer of the Ports Facility Security Officers Forum of Nigeria (PFSOFON-NDMSA), signed a report denouncing the incident in strong terms.
He condemned the actions of the crew as “heinous, inhumane, and a blatant violation of international laws and human rights,” emphasizing that the deliberate act of throwing stowaways overboard is a criminal offense under international maritime law and must be addressed with the seriousness it deserves.
In response to the incident, there has been an outpouring of demands for justice, as well as calls for urgent legislative and institutional reforms to prevent similar events in the future.
The report advocates for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the vessel crew involved, and calls upon the Nigerian government and international maritime authorities to initiate a thorough investigation.
Related Posts
It further recommends urgent legislative reforms aimed at closing existing gaps in maritime security and stowaway prevention.
The report also stresses the need to strengthen international and regional cooperation on maritime security.
It calls for the ratification and enforcement of international conventions that safeguard human rights at sea.
Maritime stakeholders are urged to initiate robust training for vessel crews to ensure compliance with international human rights standards.
Ambassador Ibiang also urged all relevant authorities to address the underlying causes of stowaway migration, which include poverty, unemployment, and insecurity, pushing many young Nigerians into taking dangerous and illegal migration routes in search of better opportunities abroad.
He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between governments, maritime organizations, and civil society in tackling these issues comprehensively.
The report has been formally addressed to key national and international stakeholders including the Nigerian President, maritime agencies, defense bodies, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and civil society groups.
Ambassador Ibiang made a passionate appeal for justice and accountability, stating, “We call on the Nigerian government and the global maritime community to prioritize the safety of Nigerian citizens and ensure this grave injustice is not repeated.”
