By Eniola Ambosege
Suspected gunmen have abducted 15 passengers travelling by water along the Calabar Oron route in Cross River State, triggering a joint security operation involving multiple agencies.
The victims were reportedly seized while onboard a Sea Express boat en route from Calabar to Oron.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Cross River State, Sunday Akata, said the command had activated coordinated rescue efforts in collaboration with other security agencies.
Akata disclosed that the command was working in close synergy with the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and the Nigerian Navy to secure the safe release of the abducted passengers.
“With respect to the alleged abduction of fifteen passengers aboard a Sea Express boat en route from Calabar to Oron on Friday, the command is working in close synergy with the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He added that coordinated search-and-rescue and tactical operations were already underway to ensure the safe recovery of the victims and the swift apprehension of the perpetrators.
While details surrounding the circumstances of the attack remain sketchy, the police assured the public that updates would be provided as operations progress, it also urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid the rescue mission.
