Sea Pirates Strike Again in Rivers State: 12 Passengers and Boat Driver Abducted on Isaka River

 

In a deeply troubling incident that highlights the growing threat of maritime insecurity in Nigeria’s coastal regions, at least twelve boat passengers and their driver have been abducted by suspected sea pirates along the Isaka River in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

According to a report by Leadership, the attack took place on Tuesday evening, as the victims were en route to Bille Town, located in the Degema Local Government Area of the state. The unsuspecting travelers were ambushed mid-journey, in what is being described as a coordinated act of piracy.

But the violence didn’t stop there. The assailants, who are yet to be identified, also hijacked two other passenger boats, both of which were fully loaded with commercial goods. One of these boats was heading to Cawthorne Channel, and the other to Bonny Island, two major waterways in the region often used for both passenger and cargo transport.

Speaking to the press, Israel Pepple, Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union (MWU) in Rivers State, confirmed the attack and expressed grave concern over the increasing frequency of such criminal activities.

In his words:

“12 boat passengers and their driver are under captivity right now. Other two boats were hijacked. Three boats, one is going to Cawthorne Channel, one is going to Bille and one is going to Bonny.
The one going to Bille was the one they captured the boat, the driver and the passengers. The other ones, they only captured the boat and the goods and chased away the drivers.”

This statement paints a clear picture of the scale and organization behind the attack. While the passengers on the other two boats managed to escape, valuable cargo was looted, leaving economic losses in the wake of the already traumatic experience.

The Isaka-Bille-Bonny water route is a critical lifeline for communities in the creeks and riverine areas of Rivers State, especially where road access is limited or non-existent. Unfortunately, the very waterways that sustain life and commerce have increasingly become danger zones for pirates and criminal syndicates looking to exploit the system.

There has been a longstanding call from local leaders and unions for improved maritime security, including more robust patrols and surveillance by the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies. This latest incident adds to the growing list of pirate attacks in the Niger Delta, and only deepens the anxiety for residents and transporters who rely on the waterways daily.

As of now, the abducted passengers and their boat driver remain in captivity, and there has been no official statement on any ransom demand or rescue efforts. The situation remains tense as families and communities await further updates, hoping for a swift and safe return of their loved ones.