Gunmen have kidnapped 20 passengers from a boat traveling from Oron in Akwa Ibom state to Cross River state. The incident occurred on April 18 along the Calabar waterways.

Police Response
The Akwa Ibom police spokesperson, Timfon John, confirmed the incident and assured that the command is working to secure the release of the victims. However, the Cross River state police spokesperson, Irene Ugbo, said she has not received any report about the incident.

Previous Incidents
This is not the first time gunmen have kidnapped boat passengers in Nigeria. Similar incidents have occurred in Rivers state, including the abduction of five passengers on April 5 and 10 passengers in September 2024.