In a shocking and tragic turn of events, 13 passengers are currently missing following a pirate hijacking of a commercial passenger boat traveling along the waterways in Rivers State. The attack took place in the early hours of this morning, when the boat was en route to its destination, ferrying several passengers, including workers and traders.
According to eyewitness reports, a group of heavily armed pirates intercepted the boat in a known piracy hotspot along the Niger Delta's waterways. The assailants reportedly boarded the vessel, overwhelming the crew and passengers before seizing control of the boat.
At this time, authorities have confirmed that several passengers were taken off the boat by the attackers, and their whereabouts remain unknown. Local security forces, including the Nigerian Navy and the Rivers State Marine Police, have initiated search-and-rescue operations in a bid to locate the missing individuals and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has expressed its deep concern over the incident and pledged full cooperation with local authorities to address the growing threat of piracy in the region. The agency has also assured the public that increased security measures will be implemented to safeguard the safety of passengers traveling along the waterways.