20 passengers kidnapped along Akwa Ibom–Cross River waterways

Gunmen have reportedly abducted 20 passengers traveling by boat along the Akwa Ibom–Cross River waterways.

The boat, which was ferrying passengers from Oron in Akwa Ibom State to Cross River State, was attacked on April 18.

Timfon John, the spokesperson for the Akwa Ibom police command, confirmed that the incident occurred along the Calabar waterways.

“The incident happened in Calabar waterways.

However, we are collaborating to get the people involved released unhurt pls,” she said.

Irene Ugbo, spokesperson for the Cross River State police command, said she had not received a report on the incident but promised to reach out to relevant authorities to verify.

This is not the first such incident along Nigeria’s waterways. On April 5, suspected sea pirates abducted five passengers traveling on a commercial boat along the Degema–Akuku-Toru route in Rivers State.

The boat was en route from Bille in Degema LGA to Port Harcourt when it was attacked.

Similarly, in September 2024, about 10 passengers were reportedly kidnapped by suspected pirates along the Bonny waterways in Rivers State.