Port Harcourt, Rivers State — Six individuals who were kidnapped by suspected sea pirates along the Bille-Port Harcourt, Rivers State waterway have been released after reportedly paying a ransom of N28 million.
The victims, consisting of five men and one woman, endured 12 harrowing days in captivity before securing their freedom.
The abduction occurred on April 4, 2025, near the New Calabar River during a routine trip from Bille Kingdom to Port Harcourt. This incident highlights the persistent security threats plaguing riverine communities in the region.
During a press conference in Port Harcourt, the victims shared disturbing details of their ordeal. Ibikura Biobele, one of the survivors, described how armed pirates ambushed their boat and forced them into the forest.
Furthermore, the captors subjected them to brutal treatment, including beatings, blindfolding, and starvation. The pirates justified their actions, claiming government restrictions on illegal oil bunkering pushed them into kidnapping.
Initially demanding N50 million, the pirates eventually accepted N28 million after intense negotiations. “We pleaded desperately before they settled for the reduced amount,” Biobele explained, crediting divine intervention for their survival.
Meanwhile, the victims criticized government inaction regarding waterway security. They urged authorities to increase patrols and reintroduce community policing strategies that previously deterred piracy.
Additionally, Biobele emphasized the need for gunboat deployments in vulnerable creeks, not just open waters. “We have no protection. Either the government secures us or lets communities defend themselves,” he insisted.
This case underscores the growing insecurity along Rivers State’s waterways. Residents now demand immediate action to prevent further kidnappings and violence in the region.
Moreover, the incident exposes the dangerous consequences of illegal oil trade disruptions. When livelihoods are destroyed without alternatives, some turn to violent crime as retaliation.
Consequently, stakeholders must address both security and economic factors fueling piracy. Strengthening law enforcement while creating legal income opportunities could break this cycle.
As pressure mounts, authorities face tough questions about their security strategy. Will they implement concrete measures, or will communities remain vulnerable to future attacks?
The victims’ traumatic experience serves as a wake-up call. Without decisive intervention, pirates will continue exploiting unprotected travelers for profit.
Ultimately, lasting solutions require collaboration between government, security agencies, and local communities. Only through united action can Rivers State reclaim its waterways from criminal elements.
For now, the freed hostages grapple with psychological scars while hoping their ordeal sparks meaningful change. Their survival story highlights both human resilience and systemic failures needing urgent attention.