Pirates Strike Abduct 10 Passengers In Rivers

At least ten passengers were taken hostage when suspected pirates targeted a passenger boat in the Bonny waterway in Rivers State on Monday.

Reports indicate that the boat was en route from Bonny to Port Harcourt, approximately 10 kilometers into its journey, when the attack happened.

While specific details about the incident remain unclear at the time of this report, the maritime workers union in the state has validated the occurrence.

Israel Pepple, the State Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria for the Rivers Commercial District, confirmed the incident to reporters in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Pepple stated that the kidnapped boat passengers were en route from Bonny Island to Port Harcourt when suspected pirates attacked. He mentioned that the incident has been reported to the police and urged the government and relevant security agencies to enhance safety measures in the waterways to prevent ongoing assaults at sea.

He mentioned, “At this very moment, ten individuals have been abducted while making their way from Bonny to Port Harcourt, and others are still in the river awaiting rescue. I wanted to bring to the attention of the Rivers State Governor, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and the Commissioner of Police, whom we met with last week, that this unfortunate event has occurred again this morning.”

This incident occurred less than a week after maritime union members held a protest at the government house in Port Harcourt to express their concerns about the increasing incidence of pirate attacks on the waterways.

Upon being reached for comment, Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state Police Command, acknowledged the incident and stated that an investigation is currently in progress.

Iringe-Koko remarked, “Yes, we are aware of the situation. The investigation is ongoing to ensure their safe rescue.”

She added, “The Commissioner of Police has directed the Divisional Police Officer and various tactical units to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.”