Calabar Oron Pirates abduct 17 passengers on a commercial boat, sparking police rescue efforts after an attack on the Cross River waterways

The incident occurred on Thursday when armed men hijacked a commercial vessel operated by Sea Express Limited. The boat, which was ferrying around 30 passengers from Calabar to Oron, was intercepted mid-journey.

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Police confirmed that the gunmen seized 17 of the travellers before escaping with them to an undisclosed location. According to a source, the attackers left others behind because their getaway boat could not accommodate all passengers.

Speaking on Friday, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Police Command, Igri Ewa, assured that efforts were underway to rescue the victims.

“We are aware of the abduction and are making efforts to secure the release of the victims. At this time, no contact has been made by the abductors, but we are fully on our toes to ensure they are freed,” Ewa stated.

Relatives of those kidnapped remain distressed, with repeated attempts to reach their loved ones failing as the victims’ mobile phones have been switched off since the attack.

The abduction has heightened concerns over maritime security along the Calabar–Oron route, a vital but increasingly vulnerable passage for commuters and traders.

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Residents and transport operators are urging authorities to step up patrols and provide lasting measures to curb pirate activity on the waterways.