Suspected sea pirates hijacked a passenger boat with 10 individuals on board early Monday in Rivers State. The incident occurred as the boat traveled from Bonny to Port Harcourt, according to reports gathered by Daily Sun.
Sources indicate that the attack took place near Docks Island in Okrika Local Government Area. As of the time of this report, the assailants have not contacted the families of the victims, and details about the situation remain unclear.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the hijacking, with Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu deploying operatives to secure the release of the hostages. Grace Iringe-Koko, the State Police Public Relations Officer (SP), stated that the police chief has ordered the apprehension and prosecution of those responsible.
This incident comes less than a week after the Rivers Commercial District of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) protested to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, highlighting the persistent threat of sea pirates on the Bonny to Port Harcourt waterways.
Governor Fubara, represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, George Nwaeke, condemned the ongoing attacks on boat operators and sea travelers, asserting that such criminal activities would no longer be tolerated. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents and ensuring that they can conduct their daily activities without fear.
