Pirates ask occupants of attacked boat to jump into river

Tayo Afolabi

Some dare devil pirates that attacked a passenger boat  around Namasibi, in Degema,Rivers State asked their victims to jump into river while those who could not were kidnapped with the boat.

Police in Rivers State said it has launched a manhunt for sea pirates who attacked a passenger boat and abducted some of the travellers in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The driver of the hijacked boat, Tamunoiminabo Aginah,  said the boat was attacked around Namasibi.

Aginah said, “In the morning when we were driving to Port Harcourt, the sea pirates chased us, but they couldn’t get to us.

“On our way back  from Port Harcourt as we approached Namasibi, New Calabar River, the sea pirates appeared in full speed and a superior engine boat and we couldn’t escape them.

“They ordered us to jump into the river. Those that can swim did as they commanded while they drove away with those that didn’t jump into the river to the unknown destination together with our boat.”

River State police command spokesman, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nnamdi Omoni,  said 13 victims of the attack have been rescued.

According to him, 15 passengers were on board the boat when the bandits attacked, taking away two female occupants and a little baby to an unknown destination.

“The police are aware of the development at Namasibi in Degema. 15 people were in the boat when they were attacked.

“The pirates had asked the occupants to jump into the river and 13 people who escaped have been rescued.

“The pirates made away with two females and a little child. We have launched a manhunt for them. The victims will be rescued,” he assured.

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