By Ayo Kehinde
At least 17 passengers have been abducted by suspected sea pirates along the Calabar-Oron maritime route, a major waterway linking Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
The victims were travelling aboard a passenger boat operated by Sea Express Transport Company when the attackers struck.
In a statement on Friday, the Cross River State Police Command said the vessel, which had departed Calabar en route to Oron, was reportedly carrying over 30 passengers at the time of the incident.
Deputy Public Relations Officer, DSP Igri Ewa, said the abducted passengers were taken to an unknown location, and efforts were underway to secure their release.
“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”, said Ewa.
