The swift intervention of security operatives paid off as nine passengers were rescued and ferried back to safety in Port Harcourt when sea pirates attacked a speedboat traveling to Bonny Island close Isaka Community in Rivers State.

The incidented speedboat, which is powered by an outboard engine, was carrying 20 persons en route Bonny Island when it was attacked by sea pirates near Isaka Community in Okrika Local Government Area.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Bonny LGA, Boma Waribor disclosed that 12 passengers were, however, taken away by the hoodlums.

The statement further revealed that security operatives were intensifying efforts to locate the remaining victims.

Waribor further stated that “according to preliminary findings, the boat driver violated safety regulations by taking the prohibited Kilometer 10 route, which is off-limits to commercial boats”.

“This breach of protocol exposed the passengers to danger, prompting swift intervention from government security agencies.”  

According to the statement, a visibly worried Chairman of Bonny LGA, Anengi Claude-Wilcox assured the traveling public that her administration is working closely with security agencies and neighboring local governments to address the matter.

She urged relatives of the victims and the general public to remain calm as efforts continue to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining passengers and to bring those responsible to justice.

The Okrika Local Government has yet to make any statement regarding the incident.