Pirates attacked boats along the Isaka River in Rivers State, kidnapping 19 people and stealing goods worth millions. The police are investigating, and the Maritime Workers Union is calling for government action to improve security, citing the underutilization of military gunboats.

The police in Rivers State have assured that they will arrest the suspected pirates who attacked boats and kidnapped at least 13 passengers. The incident took place along the Isaka River in the Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Reports indicate that one of the boats was on its way to Bonny Island, while the other was heading towards the Cawthorne Channel in Bille, located in the Degema local government area. The attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, confirmed the abduction and assured that an investigation was underway. She stated, “What we heard was that 13 passengers were abducted. But investigation is ongoing to rescue them and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.”

The Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, Port Harcourt Commercial District, Israel Pepple, provided further details about the attack. He revealed that the pirates not only kidnapped the passengers but also stole goods and property worth millions of naira. Pepple explained, “From the information we gathered, 13 people, including the boat driver, were taken. The other boat was heading to Bonny with goods; six people were kidnapped from that boat. So, six plus 13 makes 19.”

He expressed concern over the recurring nature of these attacks, emphasizing that piracy was becoming more of a business for the criminals. Pepple stated, “As we mentioned earlier, the situation is becoming a routine. As soon as they release one person, they come back to kidnap again. It has turned into a business for them. The Union will be holding a meeting, and once we decide on the next course of action, we will implement it. We are seriously considering downing our tools to force the government to act.”

Pepple further highlighted the severity of the situation, saying, “Between 2 pm and 6 pm, three boats were attacked, 19 people were kidnapped, and goods and property were stolen.”

Pepple appealed to the State Sole Administrator and security agencies to intervene and improve security along the state’s waterways. He also expressed frustration over the underutilization of military gunboats that had been donated by the Rivers State government for the purpose of securing the waterways. “The unfortunate irony is that the gunboats are there, but there’s no fuel to operate them. They are stationed close to this office, but no logistics have been provided for them,” Pepple lamented.

He called on the Sole Administrator to take immediate action, warning that the situation was spiraling out of control.