Suspected pirates hijacked a passenger boat carrying 20 travellers along the Bonny-Okrika waterways in Rivers State.
The incident occurred on Thursday, February 6, 2025 around the precincts of Isaka in Okirika Local Government Area of the state.
The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Council, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, who confirmed the incident in a statement by his media aide, Boma Waribor, on Friday said nine of the passengers were rescued in collaboration with security agencies while a frantic search is on to rescue the others.
Claude-Wilcox said the driver of the passenger boat went contrary to the rules to pass through kilometre 10, which is a prohibited channel for commercial boat drivers.
“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 enroute Bonny was intercepted this afternoon by Sea Pirates around the precincts of Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area,” the statement read.
“However, it should be noted that nine persons have been found and returned to Port Harcourt through the timely intervention of Government Security operatives who are currently up and about and have intensified efforts to rescue the remaining 12 passengers.
“It should be noted that preliminary findings reveal that the Boat Driver disobeyed the rules and passed through Kilometer 10, a prohibited channel for commercial Boat Drivers.”
“The relatives of the victims and the public are urged to be calm as the Bonny Local Government Council is seriously collaborating with neighbouring LGAs and the security agencies to arrest the situation."
