By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Suspected sea pirates have kidnapped 17 passengers along the Calabar waterways.
The incident which happened on Thursday, 26th September, has been confirmed by the police.
Sources say the attack was on a commercial passenger boat, Sea Express Limited, conveying not less than 30 people from Calabar, Cross River State capital, to Oron in Akwa Ibom State.
“The Kidnappers took away 17 passengers because their getaway boat could not carry more.
“One of those who escaped was the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 Cross River election,” a source said.
Confirming the incident on Friday, DSP Igri Ewa, Deputy Public Relations Officer in Cross River, disclosed that the victims were taken to an unknown destination.
He said, “We are aware of the abduction and we are making efforts to rescue the victims. At the moment, no contact has been made by their abductors but we are on our toes to ensure they are released.”
The family members of the victims say they are unable to reach their loved ones through phone, according to reports.
