The Rivers State Police Command has begun a search for suspected pirates who attacked boats and kidnapped passengers along the Isaka River in Okrika Local Government Area.
The attack happened on Tuesday afternoon. One of the boats was going to Bonny Island while the other was heading toward the Cawthorne Channel in Bille, Degema Local Government Area, when the pirates struck.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the attack, saying 13 passengers were taken.
“What we heard was that 13 passengers were abducted. But investigation is ongoing to rescue them and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to book,” she said.
But the Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, Port Harcourt Commercial District, Isreal Pepple, said the number of kidnapped people was actually 19.
He explained, “With the information we gathered, it was 13 persons, including the driver. The other boat was going to Bonny with goods; six people were kidnapped from that boat. So, six plus 13 makes 19.”
Pepple also said the pirates stole goods and properties worth millions of naira during the attacks.
He raised concern over the frequent pirate attacks in the area and said the union may stop work soon if the government fails to act.
“Like we said last time, we will have no option because the thing is becoming a routine action, such that as they release one, they come back and kidnap again,” he said.
“So, I think that the union will go into a meeting and whatever our decision is, we will implement it. We will not be far from downing our tools to attract the government to take action.”
According to him, three boats were attacked between 2 pm and 6 pm on the same day, with people kidnapped and goods hijacked.
Pepple called on the state’s Sole Administrator and security agencies to protect the waterways, stressing that the military gunboats provided by the state government are not being used properly.
“The irony of it all is that there are gunboats, but no fuel to operate them. The gunboats are there close to this office, but no logistics are provided for them,” he added.
He urged the state government to act quickly before things get worse.
