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Reps task IGP, Navy on release of 18 persons abducted by sea pirates

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…decry fate of pregnant woman, children

The House of Representatives on Tuesday called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun to deploy the recently donated gunboats to facilitate the rescue of 18 persons abducted by sea pirates along Bille and Bonny, in Rivers State.

The House further mandated the IGP to implement strict security measures; to include a stationed security house boats at strategic points to prevent future occurrence.

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The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Hart Godwin, who solicited for the House intervention.

In his lead debate, Hon. Godwin who solicited for the House intervention observed that on Tuesday 6th May 2025, boats carrying 18 passengers including a pregnant woman, and children with goods quantified to be in millions of naira, heading to Bille and Bonny Kingdom in Rivers state, were abducted by sea pirates.

“The House is aware that the only means of transportation of humans and materials 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.

“The House is worried that the pirates kidnapped 18 persons from Bille and Bonny communities and made away with cargo boats conveying food supplies and properties worth millions of naira, which significantly impacts the local economy and jeopardizes the livelihood of the people of Bille and Bonny.

“The House is further worried that an attack of this nature had occurred on March 26, di 2025, where six (6) passengers were abducted, and one of the victims, later killed after a ransom, was fully paid. This is to highlight the escalating nature of these sea criminals along the waterways.

“The House is concerned about the urgency of this situation, as repeated incidents not only threaten lives but also undermine public confidence in our security architecture.”

Worried by the development, the lawmakers demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the 18 persons abducted by sea pirates without any further delay.

To this end, the House mandated the joint House Committees on Navy and Police to ensure compliance within four weeks.

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