Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 13 persons, including a boat driver, by pirates along the Isaka River, as it intensifies efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend the attackers.
The incident, which occurred last night involved the hijack of two passenger boats en route to Cawthorne Channel and Bille.
The assailants reportedly made away with goods and personal belongings before fleeing with the passengers.
Confirming the attack, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the Command has activated a tactical response to ensure the safe return of the victims.
“It was 13 persons, not 14, on board including the driver,” Iringe-Koko clarified in response to initial conflicting figures.
“We are on top of the situation and we’re making frantic efforts to ensure they regain their freedom and also ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.”
She said the Command has deployed its Marine Police and is working with local security outfits and other relevant agencies to comb the waterways and nearby creeks.
“We assure residents and travellers that we are leaving no stone unturned in this operation. The safety of citizens remains our top priority.
“Our marine unit is actively involved, and we are liaising with community leaders and vigilante groups in the area for actionable intelligence,” Iringe-Koko added.
The incident has raised renewed concerns over the safety of waterways in the state, particularly the Isaka and Bille routes which have become notorious for pirate attacks.
Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union in Rivers State, Israel Waribo-Pepple, decried the frequency of such incidents and urged the state government to intervene urgently.
“We are appealing to the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok Ete Ibas, to beef up security presence on the waterways. Our people are living in fear, and the maritime police units are underfunded and ill-equipped to provide adequate protection.”
Meanwhile, police authorities have urged the public to remain calm and report any suspicious movement around coastal communities.
