Port Harcourt, Nigeria – Suspected sea pirates have hijacked a passenger boat carrying 20 travelers along the Bonny-Okrika waterways in Rivers State. Authorities have since rescued nine of the passengers, while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining 11.
The Executive Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Hon. Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, confirmed the incident in a statement issued by her media aide, Boma Waribor, on Friday. She revealed that security agencies were actively involved in the rescue operations.
According to preliminary investigations, the boat driver violated regulations by taking an unauthorized route through Kilometer 10, a prohibited channel for commercial boats.
Rescue Operations Underway
Claude-Wilcox reassured the public that the Bonny Local Government Council was collaborating with security agencies and neighboring local government authorities to ensure the safe return of the missing passengers.
“Security briefing at the disposal of the Executive Chairman indicates that a passenger boat en route to Bonny was intercepted on Thursday afternoon by sea pirates around Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area,” the statement read.
She further urged the victims’ relatives and the public to remain calm, emphasizing that authorities were working tirelessly to rescue those still missing.
Maritime Union Expresses Concern
Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria (MUWN) has expressed concern over the rising cases of pirate attacks in the state.
The Chairman of the MUWN, Rivers Commercial District, Isreal Wariboko, lamented the persistent security challenges despite government efforts to curb piracy.
“The pirates constantly change their tactics. They reside in the mangroves, monitoring security movements and striking when they see an opportunity,” Wariboko explained.
He noted that while recent government interventions, including the deployment of gunboats, had reduced attacks, the criminals had now adopted new strategies.
Wariboko called for increased security presence along the waterways, stressing that the recent incidents had been reported to the police.
“The marine police are aware of the matter, and I know they are handling it. As a union, we have already sent out a search party twice today,” he added.
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