Suspected sea pirates have abducted 10 passengers from a boat travelling on the Bonny waterway in Rivers State. The attack occurred on Monday while the boat was en route Bonny to Port Harcourt, approximately 10 kilometres into the journey.
Details are still emerging, but Israel Pepple, chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Rivers Commercial District, confirmed the abduction.
Pepple reported that the incident has been reported to the police and called for increased security measures to protect the waterways from such attacks.
Pepple stated, “Ten passengers have been kidnapped while travelling from Bonny to Port Harcourt. Others are still waiting for rescue in the river. We urge the Rivers State Governor, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and the Commissioner of Police to take immediate action”.
This incident follows a recent protest by maritime union members at the Government House in Port Harcourt, highlighting the rise in pirate attacks.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the state Police Command, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway.