At least 17 passengers have been abducted by suspected sea pirates while traveling by boat from Calabar, Cross River State, to Oron in Akwa Ibom State—a route frequently used by commuters along the coastal corridor.
The hijacked boat, reportedly belonging to Sea Express Transport Company, was attacked along the Calabar waterways, with the assailants taking a portion of the passengers to an undisclosed location.
The vessel was said to be carrying around 30 passengers at the time of the incident.
Confirming the development on Saturday, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Police Command, DSP Igri Ewa, stated that efforts are underway to secure the release of those abducted.
“We are aware of the abduction and we are making efforts to rescue the victims. At the moment, no contact has been made by their abductors, but we are on our toes to ensure they are released,” Ewa said in Calabar.
Sources told The Nation that the kidnappers have yet to reach out to the victims’ families, increasing anxiety among relatives, many of whom have been unable to reach their loved ones as their mobile phones remain switched off.
The abduction has sparked fresh concerns about maritime security along the Calabar-Oron route, which has witnessed intermittent pirate activity in recent years.
