Pirates Abduct 10 Passengers on Bonny-Port Harcourt Waterway in Rivers State

Rivers State, Nigeria – In a distressing turn of events, ten passengers traveling on the Bonny-Port Harcourt waterway have been kidnapped by suspected sea pirates. The incident occurred on Monday morning when the boat was intercepted by armed gunmen en route to Port Harcourt from Bonny.

According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants struck swiftly, taking the passengers captive in the high seas. Israel Waribo Pepple, the District Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) for Rivers State, confirmed the unfortunate event, emphasizing that the abduction took place along the perilous Bonny-Port Harcourt route.

The Rivers State Police Command has responded to the incident with urgency. Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police Public Relations Officer and Superintendent of Police, announced that the Officer in Charge of Marine Operations, along with other top security officials, has been deployed to investigate the situation thoroughly. Iringe-Koko reassured the public that the police are committed to securing the safe release of the abducted passengers and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

This kidnapping incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by travelers in the region, particularly those using water routes. Authorities urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as efforts continue to address the growing menace of piracy in Rivers State.