The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 17 passengers by suspected sea pirates along the Calabar waterways.
The incident occurred on Thursday when armed men hijacked a commercial boat belonging to Sea Express Limited, which was ferrying over 30 passengers from Calabar, Cross River, to Oron, Akwa Ibom.
Confirming the development on Friday in Calabar, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the command, Igri Ewa, said the victims were taken to an unknown destination.
“We are aware of the abduction and we are making efforts to rescue the victims,” he stated.
Family members of the abducted passengers have reportedly been unable to reach their loved ones as their mobile phones remain switched off.
A source disclosed that the attackers only took 17 passengers because their getaway boat could not carry more.
