Pirates kidnap 10 boat passengers in Rivers

Gunmen suspected to be sea pirates have reportedly abducted 10 maritime travellers along the Bonny-Port Harcourt waterway in Rivers state.

The suspected pirates attacked the passenger boat heading to Port Harcourt from Bonny in the earlier hours of Monday.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson in Rivers state, said the command is working to ensure the victims regain their freedom.

“We are aware of the incident involving 10 maritime travellers, and we have commenced an investigation to ensure that they regain freedom,” Iringe-Koko told TheCable via telephone.

On August 28, Israel Pepple, chairman of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) Rivers commercial district, led a protest to Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, decrying the constant attacks by pirates on members and passengers on the waterway.

He called for the urgent intervention of the state government and the security agencies.

“We call on the government to save the lives of our members, whose livelihoods are constantly threatened by these pirates,” Pepple said.

“Our people have lost so much to these criminals, and the situation has become unbearable.”