By: Bayero Ade
Thirteen passengers traveling along the Bonny-Okrika waterways in Rivers State have been declared missing after suspected pirates hijacked their boat.
According to Afripost, Reports indicate that the vessel, which was carrying about 20 passengers, was seized on Thursday, February 6. The Bonny Local Government Council has confirmed the rescue of nine individuals, while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining 13.
Council chairman Anengi Claude-Wilcox assured the public that local authorities are working closely with security agencies to secure the release of those still missing. He also revealed that preliminary investigations showed the boat’s driver had deviated from the approved route and taken a restricted channel at Kilometer 10, an area deemed unsafe for commercial boats.
Claude-Wilcox emphasized that the swift intervention of security operatives led to the rescue of nine passengers, who have since been safely returned to Port Harcourt. He further stated that intensified search efforts were underway to locate the remaining missing passengers.
Authorities have urged the victims’ families and the general public to remain calm as the search and rescue mission continues.
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