Diri Hands Over Rescued São Tomé Fishermen To Ambassador

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has formally handed over two fishermen from São Tomé and Príncipe who were rescued off the Atlantic coast of Agge in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state to the country’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Manuel Moreno.

The handover took place on Saturday at the Governor’s country home in Sampou, Bayelsa State, where Ambassador Moreno arrived from the São Tomé and Príncipe Embassy in Abuja to receive the rescued nationals.

The fishermen, identified as Pedro Mateus and Isnaic Dafonseca, were reportedly rescued eight days ago by residents of Agge after they lost their way while fishing off the coast of São Tomé and Príncipe and found themselves within the waters of Bayelsa State.

Governor Diri commended the people of Agge for their intervention, describing their actions as a demonstration of the humanitarian spirit and hospitality for which Bayelsans are known.

He expressed appreciation to the residents who discovered the fishermen and ensured that they were brought to the appropriate authorities for their safe return to their country.

The governor also called for the recognition and possible rewarding of the citizens involved in the rescue, noting that their actions had strengthened the bonds of friendship and solidarity between Bayelsa State, Nigeria, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

The development underscores the importance of cooperation among coastal communities and neighbouring African countries in safeguarding lives and ensuring the safe return of persons who may become stranded at sea.

Governor Diri concluded by commending the Agge residents for what he described as a worthy act of compassion and African brotherhood.