Seventeen boat passengers have been abducted by suspected sea pirates on the Calabar–Oron waterway, sparking tension and fear among families of the victims.
The attack occurred on Wednesday when armed men hijacked a vessel operated by SeaExpress Transport Company, which was reportedly carrying about 30 passengers. The assailants whisked away 17 individuals to an unknown location, leaving others stranded and traumatized.
Confirming the incident, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Police Command, DSP Igri Ewa, said security operatives were already working to rescue the abductees.
“We are aware of the abduction and we are making efforts to rescue the victims. At the moment, no contact has been made by their abductors, but we are on our toes to ensure they are released,” he stated.
Relatives of the victims expressed frustration over their inability to reach their loved ones, noting that their mobile phones have remained switched off since the attack.
The incident adds to growing concerns over maritime insecurity in Nigeria’s coastal waters, particularly along the Calabar–Oron axis, which has witnessed repeated pirate attacks in recent years despite security patrols.