MYSTERY VESSEL STIRS CONFUSION IN BADAGRY

Vessel
Confusion reigned at Geberefun area of Badagry, Lagos State on Sunday, following the sighting of a mystery vessel in the lagoon close to the locality.

A reader, who gave the tip on the telephone around 9pm, said the mystery barge was sighted on Sunday evening floating towards the shore. He stated that what puzzled residents was the absence of human presence in the vessel.

He said that a large crowd of residents and policemen gathered in the area, watching helplessly as the barge floated towards the shore. He said that some people, who braved the situation entered the vessel and said they found five big generators inside.

He said there was suspicion that the barge, which had a large vacuum inside, may have been used for illegal activities such as oil bunkering.

When contacted, the spokesman of the state police command, Mr. Frank Mba, confirmed the development on the telephone. He said, 'We have heard about it. But, the information at our disposal is sketchy. The villagers drew the attention of the police to the vessel.

'The marine police and the conventional police were mobilised to the scene immediately. The vessel appeared to be floating in no particular direction. It didn't appear to be moving in any direction.

'For now, nobody can confirm what the situation is. We are trying to maintain skeletal security there. The conventional police are working with the villagers to maintain a presence there pending the relevant agencies investigate the matter.'

Also speaking on the telephone on the matter, Head, Public Relations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Mrs. Ego Nwokocha, said the organisation had not received any information about the mystery vessel.

She told our correspondent that NIMASA had already sent out signals to its field units to investigate the information.