Gunmen Kidnap 15 Passengers in Cross River Boat Attack

On Friday, gunmen ambushed a passenger boat, abducting at least 15 individuals traveling along the Calabar-Oron waterway in Cross River State. The incident prompted a coordinated search and rescue operation involving the Cross River State Police, Akwa Ibom State Police, and the Nigerian Navy.

Eitokpah, a police spokesperson, confirmed that efforts are ongoing to ensure the victims' safe return and to apprehend the perpetrators. The attack occurred on a route that has become notorious for piracy and kidnapping due to the network of creeks and mangroves providing cover for criminal elements.

The police have urged residents to remain calm and support the security agencies with credible information to aid the rescue mission. The details surrounding the attack remain sketchy, but authorities are committed to updating the public on the operation's progress.