Suspected sea pirates have abducted at least 12 boat passengers and their driver along the Isaka River in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to Leadership, the victims were en route to Bille Town in Degema LGA when the attack occurred on Tuesday evening. The pirates also hijacked two other passenger boats carrying goods to Cawthorne Channel and Bonny Island.
Israel Pepple, Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union in Rivers State, confirmed the incident, stating:
Right now, 12 passengers and their driver are in captivity. Three boats were attacked — one heading to Bille, one to Cawthorne Channel, and one to Bonny. The pirates kidnapped the passengers and driver from the Bille-bound boat. In the other two cases, they seized the boats and goods but let the drivers go.
Authorities have yet to issue an official response or updates on rescue efforts.
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