No fewer than 10 passengers were abducted when suspected pirates attacked a passenger boat on the Bonny waterway in Rivers State on Monday. The incident has once again highlighted the ongoing security challenges facing the region, particularly in its waterways, where pirates continue to pose a serious threat to the safety of travelers.
According to reports the boat was travelling from Bonny to Port Harcourt at about 10 am when the incident occurred. The exact details of the attack remain unclear as of the time of reporting, but it has been confirmed by local authorities and the maritime community.
The state Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Rivers Commercial District, Israel Pepple, confirmed the incident, noting that the abducted passengers were on a routine trip from Bonny Island to Port Harcourt when the suspected pirates launched their attack. “As I speak to you right now, 10 persons have been kidnapped while travelling from Bonny to Port Harcourt. And the others are still afloat in the river waiting for rescue,” Pepple stated.
He expressed frustration over the increasing number of pirate attacks in the area and urged the government, along with relevant security agencies, to enhance security measures on the waterways to prevent such incidents. Pepple emphasized the urgency of the situation, pointing out that the lives of those kidnapped were at risk, and immediate action was necessary to ensure their safe return.
“This incident has been reported to the police,” Pepple said, adding that he hoped this latest attack would prompt a stronger response from the authorities. He made a direct appeal to the Rivers State Governor, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and the Commissioner of Police to take more decisive action. “I said let me just draw the attention of the Rivers State Governor, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and the Commissioner of Police who we visited last week that this happened this morning,” he added.
This latest incident occurred less than a week after Pepple led members of the maritime union in a protest at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The protest was in response to the increasing frequency of pirate attacks on the waterways, which have made travel by sea increasingly perilous. The protesters demanded more robust security measures and immediate government intervention to safeguard the lives of those who rely on the waterways for their daily commute and commercial activities.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and assured that an investigation was underway. Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said, “Yes, we are aware. Investigation is ongoing to ensure that they are rescued unhurt.” She further stated that the Commissioner of Police had given strict orders to the Divisional Police Officer and other tactical units to pursue the assailants vigorously and ensure their apprehension. “The Commissioner of Police has ordered the Divisional Police Officer and other tactical units to also ensure the arrest of the hoodlums and make them face justice,” she added.
The repeated pirate attacks in the Bonny and Port Harcourt waterways have become a matter of grave concern for both residents and authorities. These attacks disrupt daily life, instill fear in the local population, and negatively impact the economy, particularly the maritime and fishing industries that are vital to the region’s livelihood. The maritime workers union, in particular, has been vocal about the need for increased security, citing the repeated threats faced by its members and the traveling public.
The lack of sufficient security on the waterways has emboldened the pirates, who operate with seeming impunity. The recent abduction of passengers is a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in these waters and the urgent need for a coordinated response from both local and federal government authorities. The union and affected communities have repeatedly called for patrols, surveillance, and a stronger security presence to deter such criminal activities.
The waterways, have increasingly become hotbeds for criminal activities, including piracy and kidnapping. These attacks often target boats traveling between Bonny Island and Port Harcourt, a route frequently used by both commuters and traders. The pirates, usually heavily armed, take advantage of the isolation and limited law enforcement presence in these areas to launch surprise attacks, often resulting in abductions and demands for ransom.
The ongoing investigation by the police aims to uncover the identities and hideouts of the pirates. Security experts have noted that a lack of consistent surveillance and inadequate policing of the waterways have contributed to the rising number of incidents. They argue that a more comprehensive security strategy, involving both local security forces and the Nigerian Navy, could help mitigate these risks.
Meanwhile, families of the abducted passengers are anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones. The psychological toll of such incidents is enormous, not just for the victims, but also for their families and the wider community. The uncertainty surrounding the safety and whereabouts of the kidnapped passengers adds to the distress, highlighting the need for a swift resolution to their ordeal.
The call for improved security in the Bonny and Port Harcourt waterways is not new. However, the frequency and brazenness of these attacks suggest that more needs to be done to protect those who rely on these routes for their livelihood and daily commutes. As the investigation continues, there is hope that the authorities will take stronger actions to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore a sense of safety and security in the region.
The recent abduction of passengers in the Bonny waterway serves as a stark reminder of the growing insecurity in Nigeria’s maritime corridors and reflects the urgent need for enhanced security measures and coordinated efforts by both state and federal authorities to combat piracy and ensure the safety of all who navigate these waters.
