Travellers Feared kidnapped As Pirates Hijacks Boat In Rivers

Over 10 travellers have been feared kidnapped as pirates hijacked a boat carrying 20 passengers in Rivers State. The boat was attacked at Bonny-Okrika waterways in Rivers State on Thursday, February 7, 2025.

This was disclosed by Bonny Local Government Council throuythe media aide, Boma Waribor said it had rescued nine of the passengers while frantic search was on to rescue the others.

The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Hon Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, said the rescue was in collaboration with security agencies.

In a statement by the chairman’s media aide, Boma Waribor on Friday, said the driver of the passenger boat went contrary to the rules to pass through kilometer 10, which is a prohibited channel for commercial boat drivers.

The statement reads, “Security briefing at the disposal of the Executive Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, indicates that a passenger boat comprising 20 persons en route to Bonny was intercepted Thursday afternoon by Sea Pirates around the precincts of Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area.

“However, it should be noted that nine persons have been found and returned to Port Harcourt through the timely intervention of Government Security operatives who are currently up and about and have intensified efforts to rescue the remaining 11 passengers.”

“It should be noted that preliminary findings revealed that the boat driver disobeyed the rules and passed through Kilometer 10, a prohibited channel for commercial Boat Drivers” the statement added 

“The relatives of the victims and the public are urged to be calm as the Bonny Local Government Council is seriously collaborating with neighboring LGAs and the security agencies to arrest the situation.”It concluded 

Meanwhile, the Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, has expressed worry over the continued pirate attacks in the state.

The Chairman of the MUWN, Rivers Commercial District, Isreal Wariboko, decried the incessant attacks despite the efforts of state government to stop the trends.