By Gwurld4026 
Pirates Strike: Five Passengers Kidnapped on Rivers Waterways
On April 7, 2025, gunmen suspected to be pirates attacked a passenger boat traveling along the waterways between Degema and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas of Rivers State. The boat was en route from Bille in Degema Local Government Area to Port Harcourt when it came under attack.
According to reports, the pirates abducted five passengers during the incident, taking them to an unknown destination. An elderly woman, who was among the passengers, was released after pleading with the pirates due to her health condition. The boat driver was also freed to transport the woman to Port Harcourt for medical care.
The Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Port Harcourt Commercial District, Isreal Pepple, confirmed the attack and stated that the incident occurred near the Cawthorne Channel in Akuku-Toru LGA. He added that the incident had been reported to the police, and called for the unconditional release of the abducted passengers, emphasizing the need for safer waterways.
The Executive Director of Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC), Fyneface Dumnamene, also confirmed the incident and highlighted that the kidnapped victims are all natives of Bille Kingdom.
As of now, the whereabouts of the abducted passengers remain unknown, and efforts are ongoing to secure their safe release