Kidnap in Cameroon Waters triggers Seafood Price surge in Calabar

Seafood shortages have hit markets in Calabar following the recent abduction of seven fishermen and seafarers in Cameroonian waters near Bakassi. The incident, which occurred last week, has disrupted supply and triggered sharp price hikes for fish, crayfish, periwinkle, crabs and other seafood.

Traders and consumers in the Cross River State capital have lamented the situation, noting that fishermen are now reluctant to venture into waterways out of fear of kidnappers and sea robbers.

Patience Abia, a housewife in Calabar, said the scarcity has led to soaring costs. “There have been shortages of new fish and crayfish since last week. This has led to high demand and resultant high costs. Fish traders have told us that some fishermen were kidnapped last week, which is the reason there is a shortage of supply in the local markets,” she explained.

Market findings confirmed that daily seafood supplies have dropped significantly since the abduction, leaving traders struggling to meet demand.

The Cross River State Police Command clarified that the incident did not occur within Nigerian waters. Deputy Public Relations Officer, Igri Ewa, in a text message to Daily Post, said: “The kidnap was in Cameroon waterways, not our jurisdiction, please.”

Authorities have yet to provide updates on the fate of the abducted fishermen. Meanwhile, residents fear that prolonged shortages could worsen the economic strain on households in Calabar.