Pirates seize passenger boat in Rivers, 12 people missing

Pirates seize passenger boat in Rivers, 12 people missing

A passenger boat carrying 20 people en route to Bonny was intercepted by sea pirates around the Isaka area in Okrika Local Government Area this afternoon.

According to a security briefing made available to the Executive Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, nine persons have been rescued and returned to Port Harcourt thanks to the swift intervention of government security operatives.

She noted The operatives are still working to rescue the remaining 12 passengers.

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Preliminary investigations reveal that the boat driver disobeyed rules by passing through Kilometer 10, a prohibited channel for commercial boat drivers.

She, however, noted that the Bonny Local Government Council is working closely with neighboring local governments and security agencies to resolve the situation.

Relatives of the victims and the public are urged to remain calm.

This incident comes after a similar incident where the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny rescued 20 passengers, including women and children, from pirates on the Port Harcourt-Bonny sea route.

Pirates seize passenger boat in Rivers, 12 people missing