Wave of Abductions Grips Nigeria: 20 Kidnapped in Boat Attack in Akwa Ibom-Cross River waterways Amid Benue Mass Abduction
Gunmen have abducted 20 passengers aboard a commercial boat navigating the Akwa Ibom–Cross River waterways, adding to the nation’s escalating wave of kidnappings that has now reached Benue State.
The boat, which was ferrying passengers from Oron in Akwa Ibom to Cross River on April 18, was hijacked mid-transit by unidentified assailants. According to Akwa Ibom police spokesperson Timfon John, the incident occurred within the Calabar waterways. She assured the public that the police are working “to ensure the release of the victims unhurt.”
Meanwhile, Cross River police spokesperson Irene Ugbo stated she had not yet received a formal report on the incident but promised to follow up with the relevant authorities.
This brazen attack comes just hours after the nation was rocked by another mass abduction—this time on land. In Benue State today, at least 15 people were reportedly kidnapped by gunmen in what security analysts are calling a coordinated and troubling escalation in kidnapping operations across the country.
The double blow—one by sea, one by land—has ignited renewed fears over the deteriorating security infrastructure and the growing reach of criminal networks. Many citizens are left wondering: where is safe?
“These attacks are becoming too frequent and too widespread,” said a security expert based in Abuja. “What we’re seeing is a pattern—well-armed, well-coordinated groups exploiting both our waterways and highways. The government needs to address this as a national emergency.”
Nigeria has seen a string of high-profile waterway abductions in recent months. On April 5, suspected sea pirates kidnapped five passengers travelling from Bille in Rivers State to Port Harcourt. Just last September, about 10 passengers were abducted along the Bonny waterways, also in Rivers State.
