Suspected pirates on Thursday hijacked a passenger boat carrying 20 travelers along the Bonny-Okrika waterways in Rivers State.
The Bonny Local Government Council confirmed the incident, stating that nine passengers had been rescued while efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining 11.
Bonny LG Chairman, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, disclosed that the rescue operation was conducted in collaboration with security agencies. In a statement by her media aide, Boma Waribor, she noted that the boat driver violated safety regulations by taking a prohibited route at Kilometer 10.
“Security briefing at the disposal of the Executive Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, indicates that a passenger boat comprising 20 persons en route Bonny was intercepted this afternoon by sea pirates around the precincts of Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area,” the statement read.
It further assured that security operatives had intensified efforts to rescue the remaining passengers.
Meanwhile, the Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria (MUWN), Rivers State chapter, expressed concern over the persistent pirate attacks in the region.
The Chairman of MUWN, Rivers Commercial District, Isreal Wariboko, lamented the increasing attacks despite efforts by the state government to curb them.
“These criminals monitor security movements and strike when the area is vulnerable,” Wariboko said. “Sometimes security is stationed in one area, and they attack another. As long as they remain in the mangrove, these incidents will continue to happen.”
He called for enhanced security presence along the waterways and confirmed that the latest attack had been reported to the police.
“You will recall that after our protest and the donation of gunboats by the Governor, pirate attacks reduced. However, they have now devised new strategies,” he added.
Wariboko stated that the marine police were handling the situation while the union had deployed search teams to assist in the rescue efforts.
