20 passengers kidnapped alongside Akwa Ibom–Cross River waterways

Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped 20 passengers touring by boat alongside the Akwa Ibom–Cross River waterways.

The boat, which was ferrying passengers from Oron in Akwa Ibom State to Cross River State, was attacked on April 18.

Timfon John, the spokesperson for the Akwa Ibom police command, confirmed that the incident occurred alongside the Calabar waterways.

“The incident occurred in Calabar waterways.

Nevertheless, we’re collaborating to get the folks concerned launched unharmed pls,” she stated.

Irene Ugbo, spokesperson for the Cross River State police command, stated she had not acquired a report on the incident however promised to achieve out to related authorities to confirm.

This isn’t the primary such incident alongside Nigeria’s waterways. On April 5, suspected sea pirates kidnapped 5 passengers touring on a industrial boat alongside the Degema–Akuku-Toru route in Rivers State.

The boat was en route from Bille in Degema LGA to Port Harcourt when it was attacked.

Equally, in September 2024, about 10 passengers had been reportedly kidnapped by suspected pirates alongside the Bonny waterways in Rivers State.