No fewer than 20 passengers, including candidates of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), organised by the (JAMB), have been abducted by suspected sea pirates along the Calabar waterways.
A naval source, who spoke anonymously, said the gunmen attacked a passenger ferry travelling from to , ambushing the vessel mid-journey and whisking away passengers at gunpoint.
Although the exact number of victims remains unclear, sources indicated that many of those abducted were candidates heading to Akwa Ibom to sit for the UTME.
The Cross River State Police Command had yet to confirm the incident as of press time, while its spokesperson, Sunday Eitokpah, referred inquiries to the Akwa Ibom State Command.
The development has raised fresh concerns over the safety of waterways in the region, particularly for students travelling for national examinations.
Police Arrest 7 Suspects in Benue
In a related development, the Benue State Police Command has arrested seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers, including UTME candidates, along the Makurdi–Otukpo highway.
The victims, who were travelling in a Benue Links bus, have all regained their freedom following a joint rescue operation by security agencies.
Briefing Governor in Makurdi, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said five of the victims were initially released, while the remaining 13 were rescued unharmed.
“With the earlier release of five occupants, the remaining 13 were rescued this morning unhurt,” he said.
Emenari disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, including seven believed to be directly linked to the crime, adding that some of the victims have identified them.
He noted that intensified operations, supported by the Inspector-General of Police’s tactical team, helped pressure the kidnappers into releasing the victims.
Receiving the rescued passengers, Governor Alia expressed concern over rising insecurity but welcomed their safe return. He also urged JAMB to consider rescheduling examinations for affected candidates.
The governor assured that the state would provide necessary support to the victims and reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for criminal activities.
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