A female passenger has been feared dead after suspected pirates hijacked two boats along the waterways of Rivers State.
The passengers were said to be travelling from Abonema to Kula, both in the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of the state, when the pirates struck mid-sea.
The maritime union workers said the boats were each carrying 12 passengers, most of whom jumped into the river in a bid to escape abduction.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Nigeria Maritime Union Workers in Rivers State, Nigeria, Israel Pepple, expressed worry that attacks along the waterways have resurfaced.
Pepple said he was notified about the incident by some of his unit officials, who put calls through to him.
He appealed to the state governor, Siminialayi Fubara, to prioritise security along the waterways.
When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying investigations were ongoing.
