17 kidnapped as pirates strike in Cross river State

Seventeen passengers have been abducted by suspected sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways in Cross River State.

The attack occurred on Thursday when gunmen hijacked a commercial boat owned by Sea Express Limited, which was ferrying about 30 passengers from Calabar, Cross River, to Oron, Akwa Ibom.

Confirming the incident on Friday, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Police Command, Igri Ewa, said the victims were taken to an undisclosed location.

“We are aware of the abduction and 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,” Ewa said.

Relatives of the kidnapped passengers have reportedly been unable to reach them as their mobile phones remain switched off.

A source disclosed that the attackers took 17 passengers because their getaway boat could not carry more.