The House of Representatives has called on the federal government and relevant security agencies to act swiftly in securing the release of 18 individuals abducted by sea pirates while traveling by boat in Rivers State.
The victims, who were en route to Bonny Kingdom on May 6, 2025, include women, children, and a pregnant woman.
This resolution came during a plenary session on Tuesday, where a motion of urgent public importance was presented by Mr. Cyril Hart, a representative from Rivers State.
According to Hart, the passengers were traveling to Bille and Bonny—two riverine communities in the Niger Delta region—when they were intercepted and taken hostage by armed sea pirates. The boats were also reportedly carrying essential goods and supplies meant for the local markets.
Hart noted, “The House is aware that the only means of transportation of humans and material resources to Bonny and Bille communities is by water, and with wooden and fibre boats. Therefore, any threat to lives on these sea routes means a total shutdown of economic activities in those communities.”
He further pointed out that the pirates not only kidnapped the passengers but also stole valuable goods estimated to be worth millions of naira. The attack, he said, has had a serious effect on the already struggling economies of the Bille and Bonny communities.
The lawmaker also reminded the House of an earlier attack that occurred on March 26, 2025, in which six passengers were kidnapped. One of the victims from that incident was reportedly killed even after ransom had been paid. Hart noted that this points to a growing pattern of insecurity in the area’s waterways.
“These repeated incidents not only threaten lives but also undermine public confidence in our security architecture,” Hart added.
The House, after a voice vote in support of the motion, demanded the “immediate and unconditional release” of all 18 kidnapped victims. Lawmakers also called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to deploy the newly acquired gunboats to the affected areas and take urgent steps to boost security.
The House also suggested positioning armed security houseboats at key locations to monitor and protect the waterways, with the goal of deterring further attacks. Lawmakers agreed that stronger security action must be taken to prevent the waterways from becoming completely unsafe for residents who depend on them for daily travel and trade.
