Sea Pirates Abduct Over 20 Passengers, Including UTME Candidates, Along Calabar Waterways

 

Tension has gripped residents and commuters in Calabar following the reported abduction of more than 20 passengers by suspected sea pirates along the city’s waterways on Friday. Among those taken were candidates scheduled to sit for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.


According to eyewitness accounts, the victims were traveling by boat when heavily armed attackers intercepted the vessel at a remote section of the water route. The pirates reportedly forced the boat to a halt before herding passengers into their own waiting boats and speeding off to an unknown destination.

Local sources familiar with the incident disclosed that the attack occurred in the early hours of the day, a time when many students and workers rely on water transport to beat traffic and meet important engagements. “There were students onboard who were going to write their UTME. It is heartbreaking because this exam is very important for their future,” an eyewitness reported.

The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the persistent insecurity along coastal and riverine communities in Cross River State. Maritime users have long complained about the increasing frequency of pirate attacks, calling on authorities to strengthen surveillance and security patrols in the region.

Security agencies in the state have yet to release an official statement regarding the abduction, but according to local reports, efforts are already underway to track down the perpetrators and secure the safe release of the victims. Community leaders have also urged residents to remain calm while cooperating with law enforcement agencies.

Meanwhile, families of the abducted passengers are said to be in distress, anxiously awaiting information about their loved ones. The disruption of the UTME journey for some candidates adds another layer of concern, as the examination plays a crucial role in determining admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

This latest attack underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to address maritime insecurity and protect citizens who depend on waterways for daily transportation.

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