Seventeen passengers have been abducted by suspected sea pirates along the Calabar waterways.
The attack occurred on Thursday when gunmen hijacked a Sea Express commercial boat carrying over 30 passengers en route from Calabar, Cross River State, to Oron, Akwa Ibom.
Police confirmed the abduction on Friday, saying efforts are underway to rescue the victims, though no contact has been made with the kidnappers. Family members report they have been unable to reach their loved ones, as their phones remain switched off.