13 Travellers Missing, Nine Rescued as Sea Pirates Hijack Passenger Boat in Rivers

Suspected pirates hijacked a passenger boat carrying 20 travelers along the Bonny-Okrika waterways in Rivers State.

The attack took place on Thursday, February 6, 2025, near Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Friday, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Council, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, through her media aide, Boma Waribor, stated that nine passengers had been rescued with the help of security agencies, while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining victims.

Claude-Wilcox noted that the boat driver had violated regulations by navigating through Kilometer 10, a restricted route for commercial boats.

“Security briefing at the disposal of the Executive Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, indicates that a passenger boat comprising 20 persons enroute Bonny was intercepted this afternoon by Sea Pirates around the precincts of Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area,” the statement read.

“However, it should be noted that nine persons have been found and returned to Port Harcourt through the timely intervention of Government Security operatives who are currently up and about and have intensified efforts to rescue the remaining 12 passengers.

“It should be noted that preliminary findings reveal that the Boat Driver disobeyed the rules and passed through Kilometer 10, a prohibited channel for commercial Boat Drivers.”

“The relatives of the victims and the public are urged to be calm as the Bonny Local Government Council is seriously collaborating with neighbouring LGAs and the security agencies to arrest the situation.”