By Asuquo Cletus
The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 12 travellers along the Calabar waterways.
The victims were en route from Calabar, Cross River State, to Oron, Akwa Ibom State, when they were seized by kidnappers.
Speaking in a telephone interview with our correspondent in Calabar on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Irene Ugbo, disclosed that the incident occurred while the passengers were aboard a commercial boat.
Ugbo noted that incidents of kidnapping on the waterways had become rare in recent times, adding that the police have launched a thorough investigation into the latest case.
“Security has been beefed up along the Calabar waterways. The Police Command, in collaboration with sister agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, is working tirelessly to ensure safety in the area,” she said.
She further assured that efforts are ongoing to secure the swift release of the abducted passengers.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that a few hours into the journey, the boat was intercepted by gunmen who forced the crew to halt.
The assailants then ordered all passengers to disembark and board their own vessel before speeding off to an unknown destination.
