Twelve passengers have reportedly gone missing after a suspected sea pirate attack along Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.
According to reports, out of the twenty passengers that boarded the boat on Thursday, nine were rescued by security personnel and transported to the state capital.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the boat driver passed through Kilometer 10, a prohibited channel for commercial boat operators, which has been described as an act of disobedience.
The Chief Press Officer, Boma Waribo, confirmed in a signed statement that the boat was en route from Bonny LGA. The Bonny LGA Chairman, Hon. Anengi Claude-Wilcox, has been informed about the incident.
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He further disclosed that, in collaboration with neighboring LGAs and security agencies, the rescue team has intensified their search efforts to save the missing passengers.
Residents and relatives of the victims have been urged to remain calm. Waribo affirmed that security measures are being put in place to strengthen safety in the region.
“However, it should be noted that nine persons have been found and returned to Port Harcourt through the timely intervention of government security operatives, who are currently active and have intensified efforts to rescue the remaining 12 passengers,” Waribo noted.
