Security operatives have launched a coordinated search-and-rescue and tactical operations to ensure the safe recovery of 15 passengers abducted by gunmen on the Calabar–Oron waterway on Friday.
The statement by the Spokesperson of the Cross River Police Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, reads:
“The command is working in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom Command and the Navy.
“Coordinated search-and-rescue and tactical operations are currently ongoing to ensure the safe recovery of the victims and the swift apprehension of the perpetrators,” he said.
A Naval officer, who pleaded anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria that gunmen ambushed the ferry in which the passengers were traveling in.
The passenger ferry, which loaded from Calabar, Cross River, was traveling to Oron in Akwa Ibom.
Meanwhile, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has confirmed the safe rescue of 15 abducted passengers in the state.
Also Read: DSS arrests sea pirates in Yenagoa
At a joint briefing with Police Commissioner, Ifeanyi Emenari, at Government House, Makurdi, Sunday, Alia disclosed that 17 persons were initially abducted, but two escaped separately, leaving 15 who were eventually rescued.
