Pirates Abduct 17 Passengers on Oron–Calabar Waterway, Raising Coastal Security Concerns

Pirates Abduct 17 Passengers on Oron–Calabar Waterway, Raising Coastal Security Concerns

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Seventeen passengers travelling by boat from Oron in Akwa Ibom State to Calabar, Cross River State, were abducted by pirates on Thursday, heightening fears over the growing insecurity along Nigeria’s coastal routes.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident on Saturday, stating that security operatives have already initiated efforts to rescue the victims. Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Igri Ewa, assured that “the command is already working to ensure the prompt rescue of the passengers.”

Among those on board were a serving police officer from Akwa Ibom and a prominent Cross River politician, who narrowly escaped the pirates’ clutches. A passenger, who requested anonymity, recounted that the attack occurred shortly after departure from Oron. “They stopped our boat, transferred some passengers to their vessel, and when full, they took off,” the passenger explained.

Rising Tide of Piracy on Oron–Calabar Route

This is the second significant abduction on this route in 2025. In April, pirates had abducted 20 passengers on the same corridor, illustrating a persistent threat to travellers. Local residents attribute the rise in piracy to the deteriorating state of the Calabar–Itu Federal Highway, which has forced many to rely on water transport.

Fishermen and boat owners have expressed frustration over repeated attacks, which have crippled livelihoods. A boat owner from Ibaka community in Akwa Ibom said he lost two outboard engines valued at over N3 million each to pirates. He appealed to security agencies to maintain sustained patrols and interventions to curb the menace.

The insecurity has also affected food supply, with rising prices of seafood, including crayfish, reported in local markets.

Calls for Strengthened Security

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has repeatedly urged the federal government to establish a military battalion along the Oron axis, which includes Oron, Mbo, Okobo, Udung Uko, and Urue Offong/Uruko local government areas. “Most kidnappings occur via the waterways. Establishing a battalion in Oron would help address this menace,” Eno said during a 2024 meeting with former Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja.

The House of Representatives previously adopted a resolution advocating for increased security presence in the area, following a motion by Oron federal constituency lawmaker Martins Esin. Despite these efforts, residents report that attacks persist, targeting prominent individuals including judges, medical doctors, and community leaders.

As piracy along the Oron–Calabar waterway continues to threaten lives and commerce, security agencies face mounting pressure to restore safety and confidence among travellers.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org

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