-
17 Passengers seized minutes after boat departed Oron–Calabar
-
Police confirm operation to rescue abducted travellers
-
Politician and police officer narrowly escape capture
Seventeen passengers travelling by boat from Oron in Akwa Ibom State to Calabar, Cross River State, were abducted by pirates in yet another attack on Nigeria’s troubled coastal routes.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the Thursday incident, saying the attack happened shortly after departure from Oron.
Deputy police spokesperson, Igri Ewa, disclosed in Calabar that security operatives had launched efforts to free the victims.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
“The command is already working to ensure the prompt rescue of the passengers,” he said.
According to eyewitnesses, the pirates intercepted the boat minutes after take-off, transferring selected passengers into their vessel before speeding away. A serving police officer and a prominent Cross River politician managed to escape.
This marks the second major abduction on the route in 2025. In April, 20 travellers were kidnapped by pirates in a similar attack.
Residents say insecurity on the Oron–Calabar corridor has worsened as many commuters are forced to rely on waterways due to the dilapidated Calabar–Itu Federal Highway.
READ ALSO:Champions League: Ajax Fans Banned from Marseille Clash
Fishermen and boat operators say repeated pirate raids have crippled local business. A boat owner from Ibaka lamented: “I have lost two outboard engines worth over N3 million each to sea pirates. We appeal to security agencies to sustain sea patrols to curb these attacks.”
The attacks have disrupted fishing, driven up seafood prices, and deepened economic hardship in coastal communities.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and the House of Representatives have repeatedly urged the federal government to establish a military battalion in Oron to stem the crisis.
Despite these appeals, residents insist the kidnappings have persisted, targeting judges, doctors, traditional rulers, and relatives of politicians in the past two years.
