The shortages of fish, crayfish and other seafood in many Calabar markets, and their resultant high costs, have been linked to last week’s reported kidnap of seven fishermen and seafarers.

The fishermen, some of them Nigerians, were reportedly kidnapped in Cameroonian waters near Bakassi.

As a result of the abduction, seafood supplies have dwindled, leading to increased demand and soaring prices.

Market women and housewives have complained that different types of fish, crayfish, periwinkle and crabs have been in short supply since last week.

Findings in local markets indicated that fewer fishermen now venture into the Calabar waterways and rivers due to fears of possible kidnap by sea robbers.

Patience Abia, a housewife in Calabar, said: “There have been shortages of new fish and crayfish since last week. This has led to high demands and resultant high costs of fishes.

“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.”

Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Police Command, Calabar, Igri Ewa, said that the kidnap did not happen in Cross River waters.

“The kidnap was in Cameroon waterways not our jurisdiction, please,” Igri Ewa said in a text message.