Saturday, 08 February 2025 04:32

Pirates attack commercial boat in Rivers, 12 passengers still missing

Rate this item
(0 votes)

A passenger boat carrying 20 travelers was hijacked by sea pirates on Thursday along the Bonny-Okrika waterways in Rivers State. Reports indicate that the boat driver violated regulations by navigating through Kilometer 10, a restricted channel for commercial vessels.

Of the 21 passengers on board, nine have been rescued so far, while search operations are ongoing to locate the remaining 12 individuals. This incident highlights the persistent issue of pirate attacks in the region, despite efforts by the state government to curb such activities.

Anengi Claude-Wilcox, Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, confirmed the incident and stated that the rescue operation was carried out in collaboration with security agencies. In a statement released by his media aide, Boma Waribor, on Friday, Claude-Wilcox said, “Security reports indicate that a passenger boat with 20 individuals traveling to Bonny was intercepted by sea pirates near Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area. Thanks to the swift response of government security operatives, nine passengers have been safely returned to Port Harcourt. Efforts are being intensified to rescue the remaining 12.”

Claude-Wilcox urged the families of the victims and the public to remain calm, assuring them that the government is working closely with neighboring local government areas and security agencies to address the situation.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria (MUWN), Rivers State chapter, has expressed deep concern over the recurring pirate attacks in the state. Isreal Wariboko, Chairman of the MUWN Rivers Commercial District, criticized the ongoing attacks despite government efforts to combat them. He explained that the pirates frequently change their tactics and operate from hidden locations within the mangroves, making it difficult to track them.

“These criminals are always monitoring security movements and exploit any gaps to carry out their operations. They often strike in areas where security presence is minimal or absent,” Wariboko said. He called for increased security patrols along the waterways to prevent further attacks and confirmed that the latest incident has been reported to the police.

Wariboko also noted that the union has dispatched search teams to assist in locating the missing passengers. “After our previous protests and the governor’s donation of gunboats, pirate attacks had reduced. However, the pirates have now adopted new strategies. We are investigating whether the boat followed the approved route or deviated. The marine police are handling the matter, and we remain committed to ensuring the safety of our waterways,” he added.

March 16, 2025

Petrol price war drives marketers to reduce purchases as losses mount

A price war between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL)…
March 16, 2025

El-Rufai speaks further on Tinubu’s presidency, Chicago scandal, other issues

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has revealed that he and other political leaders were…
March 14, 2025

How leaders train themselves to rethink and adapt faster

Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio Recognizing the value of rethinking is one thing—making it a habit is another.…
March 01, 2025

Man offers to split $525,000 jackpot with thieves who stole his credit card to buy…

A Frenchman appealed to the homeless thieves who stole his credit card to buy a…
March 14, 2025

Gunmen invade Kaduna communities, abduct 10

Suspected bandits have abducted ten villagers from three remote communities in Kajuru Local Government Area…
March 16, 2025

Here’s the latest as Israel-Hamas war enters Day 527

Freed Israeli hostage speaks for the first time about his 505 days of surviving Hamas…
March 15, 2025

Humanoid robot with human-like competence unveiled in China

Du Qiongfang Humanoid robot manufacturer AgiBot in Shanghai unveiled on Tuesday its latest humanoid robot…
January 08, 2025

NFF appoints new Super Eagles head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Prof Wale Are Olaitan: Editorial Consultant; Femi Kawonise: Head, Production & Administration; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.