A group of suspected pirates launched a brazen attack on a passenger boat in the Bonny waterway, Rivers State, on Monday, abducting at least 10 passengers. The incident occurred at approximately 10 am while the boat was en route from Bonny to Port Harcourt.
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria has confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the growing threat of pirate attacks in the region.
The union’s state chairman, Israel Pepple, called on the government and relevant security agencies to beef up security measures in the waterways to prevent future attacks. Pepple noted that the incident was reported to the police, who have launched an investigation into the matter.
The police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and assured that efforts are being made to rescue the abducted passengers and apprehend the perpetrators. The Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation and deployment of tactical units to ensure the safe return of the passengers and bring the culprits to justice.
This latest incident comes just a week after the maritime union protested the surge in pirate attacks on the waterways at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The recurring incidents have raised concerns about the safety of passengers and crew members traveling through the region’s waterways.
