Suspected pirates hijacked a passenger boat carrying 20 travelers along the Bonny-Okrika waterways in Rivers State on Thursday, February 6, 2025. The attack took place 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 his media aide Boma Waribor, revealed that nine passengers were rescued with the help of security agencies, while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining 12.
Claude-Wilcox disclosed that the boat driver violated regulations by navigating through Kilometer 10, a restricted route for commercial boats.
“Security reports available to the Executive Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area indicate that a passenger boat with 20 people en route to Bonny was intercepted by sea pirates around Isaka,” the statement read.
“Fortunately, nine passengers have been found and safely returned to Port Harcourt, thanks to the swift intervention of government security operatives who are actively working to rescue the remaining 12.”
Preliminary investigations confirmed that the boat driver disregarded safety guidelines by taking a prohibited route.
Claude-Wilcox urged the victims’ relatives and the public to remain calm, assuring that the local government is collaborating with neighboring LGAs and security forces to manage the situation and ensure the safe return of the missing passengers.