But for the intervention fishermen from the Agge route of Bayelsa State, two fishermen of Sao Tome and Principe origin would have been long dead, after they strayed into the Nigerian flank of the sea route while on a fishing spree.
About three years ago, a similar incident had occurred, also involving that country’s fisherfolk. During the latest incident, the fishermen wandered in the sea for eight days before they were rescued and taken out to safety by the Bayelsa fishermen.
On Saturday, the state governor, Senator Douye Diri, officially handed over the two fishermen, Pedro Mateus and Isnaic Dafonseca Sao to the Chargé d’Affaires of the São Tomé Embassy, Ambassador Carlos Manuel Moreno, at his country home in Sampou.
Speaking during the handover, the governor described the rescue as another demonstration of the close ties between the people of Bayelsa and São Tomé, noting that both locations share the Gulf of Guinea as well as strong maritime connections.
Diri said it was the second time fishermen from the neighbouring country had been rescued in Bayelsa, following an earlier occurrence in Brass Local Government Area in July 2023 and attributed the repeated incidents partly to weather conditions in the Gulf of Guinea, stressing that the geographical proximity provided an opportunity for deeper cooperation.
According to him, the development further underscores the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea and Bayelsa’s vast maritime resources. He said “this shows you how close Nigeria, Bayelsa and São Tomé and Príncipe are in the Gulf of Guinea.”
He noted that all three senatorial districts of Bayelsa have access to the Atlantic Ocean, describing the state’s maritime resources as a major opportunity for economic diversification.
He also stated that the humane treatment of the fishermen reflected Bayelsa’s commitment to regional solidarity and respect for human life, irrespective of nationality.
He said upon receiving the report of their rescue, he directed that the fishermen be brought to Yenagoa and given medical attention at the clinic in Government House.
“Today, I want to officially hand them over to you, so that we know that the bond between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe, and precisely Bayelsa, will continue to grow from strength to strength.”
Responding, Moreno expressed appreciation to Governor Diri and the Bayelsa State Government for the care, medical attention and hospitality extended to the fishermen.
The envoy said the gesture deeply touched him and his government, particularly after discovering that the rescued fishermen were also his relatives.
Moreno described the incident as further demonstration that the relationship between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe goes beyond geographical proximity.
“This ceremony has taught me very well, in various senses, that we are not just neighbours but also sisters.”
He explained that the fishermen had drifted towards Bayelsa after their GPS battery became depleted while they were fishing, and expressed relief at seeing the two men healthy.
He thanked the governor, the government and the people of Bayelsa for their intervention and magnanimity.
