The Cross River State Government has denied reports of an alleged abduction of more than 15 passengers along the Oron–Calabar waterway, describing the claim as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Special Adviser on Marine Services, Capt. Otu Ita Otu, authorities said the reported incident did not occur on the officially designated Calabar–Oron marine corridor.
The rebuttal followed a report published on April 20, 2026, by First Media Naija, which claimed gunmen abducted passengers travelling on the route. However, the government insisted preliminary findings show the boat involved deviated from the approved waterway.
According to the statement signed by Effiwatt Ededem of the Department of Marine Services, the vessel departed from Calabar but allegedly took an unapproved shortcut outside the state’s monitored marine network.
Officials stressed that all licensed boats operating on the official route must pass through three to five security checkpoints designed to ensure passenger safety.
The government also revealed that on April 17, 2026—the day the incident allegedly occurred—marine authorities conducted routine patrols along the approved corridor without recording any security breach.
Reaffirming safety measures, the state reiterated its restriction on boat movements beyond 6:00 p.m., warning that violations and the use of unauthorised routes expose passengers to serious risks.
Authorities urged boat operators and commuters to comply strictly with approved navigation routes and avoid unregulated transport services.
The government added that it remains committed to securing waterways and will continue working with security agencies to maintain safety. It assured the public that the Calabar–Oron waterway remains safe for lawful operations.
