Suspected pirates hijacked a passenger boat carrying 20 travelers along the Bonny-Okrika waterways in Rivers State.
The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Council, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Friday by her media aide, Boma Waribor. She stated that nine passengers were rescued through a joint effort with security agencies, while a search operation is ongoing to locate the remaining 12.
According to Claude-Wilcox, the boat driver violated safety regulations by navigating through Kilometer 10, a restricted route for commercial boats.
“Security reports available to the Executive Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area indicate that a passenger boat carrying 20 persons en route to Bonny was intercepted by sea pirates near Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area,” the statement read.
“However, nine passengers have been rescued and returned to Port Harcourt, thanks to the swift intervention of security operatives. Efforts are being intensified to rescue the remaining 12 passengers.”
She urged the victims’ relatives and the public to remain calm, assuring that the Bonny Local Government Council is working closely with neighboring LGAs and security agencies to address the situation.
The attack took place on Thursday, February 6, 2025, near Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
