Nigeria: Five abducted by suspected pirates in Rivers State

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

A commercial boat traveling along the Degema–Akuku-Toru waterways in Rivers State was attacked by suspected sea pirates, resulting in the abduction of five passengers. The incident occurred while the boat was en route from Bille in the Degema Local Government Area to Port Harcourt, the state capital.

According to reports, the attackers intercepted the vessel near the Cawthorne Channel in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area and took five of the six passengers hostage. An elderly female passenger, who was reportedly ill and en route to Port Harcourt for medical attention, was spared by the assailant

The Executive Director of Youths Environmental Advocacy Center, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene, provided more information about the incident. He stated that one of the occupants of the boat, a woman, took ill and was released by the kidnappers. According to Dr. Dumnamene, the elderly woman pleaded with the pirates to be freed on health and age grounds, and they heeded her request

The Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Port Harcourt Commercial District, Isreal People, confirmed the incident and stated that the matter had been reported to the police. However, the abducted passengers remain in captivity.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of waterways in the region. The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria has called for the unconditional release of the abducted passengers and for measures to ensure the safety of travelers.

The union has urged the authorities to take action to prevent such incidents in the future. The incident highlights the need for increased security measures to protect the lives and property of citizens in the region.