The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 17 passengers by suspected sea pirates along the Calabar waterways.
The incident occurred on Thursday when gunmen hijacked a commercial boat belonging to Sea Express Limited, which was ferrying at least 30 people from Calabar, Cross River, to Oron, Akwa Ibom.
Confirming the development on Friday in Calabar, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the command, Igri Ewa, stated that the victims were taken to an unknown destination.
He said, “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.”
According to reports, family members of the abducted passengers have been unable to contact them since their mobile phones have been turned off.
According to a source, the pirates abducted 17 passengers because their getaway boat could not hold any more.
