At least 17 passengers have been abducted by suspected sea pirates along the Calabar-Oron maritime route, a major waterway linking Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
The victims were traveling aboard a passenger boat operated by Sea Express Transport Company when the attackers struck.
The vessel, which had departed from Calabar en route to Oron, was reportedly carrying over 30 passengers at the time of the incident.
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the attack on Friday, stating that the kidnapping occurred along the Calabar waterways, a route increasingly plagued by maritime insecurity.
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Speaking in Calabar, the Deputy Public Relations Officer, DSP Igri Ewa, said the abducted passengers were taken to an unknown location, and efforts were underway to secure their release.
He noted: “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.”
