Gunmen kidnap JAMB candidates, other passengers along Calabar-Oron waterway

No fewer than 15 passengers have reportedly been abducted by gunmen along the Calabar-Oron waterway route in Cross River State on Friday, raising fresh concerns over safety on inland waterways.

The victims were said to be travelling along the busy route when the attackers struck, intercepting the boat and forcefully taking the passengers to an unknown destination.

Sources revealed that a significant number of those abducted were students on their way to sit for examinations, adding to the gravity of the incident and sparking concern among families and the public.

A naval officer, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the incident happened along the Oron waterway axis.

According to the source, armed men ambushed the passenger ferry, intercepted it on the water and whisked the travellers away to an unknown destination.

The incident was also said to have been highlighted by content creator , who reportedly shared a video and raised concerns over recurring kidnappings in the area.

Speaking to our correspondent, a relative of one of the abducted candidates, who asked not to be named, said his younger brother left home on Friday for Oron and was expected to sit for his examination by 9 a.m. on Saturday, but had not been heard from since then.

The ferry was reportedly loaded from Calabar in before the attack.

The neither confirmed nor denied the incident. Police spokesperson said the relevant command would be in a better position to provide details.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official information on the whereabouts of the abducted passengers.

The Calabar-Oron waterway has witnessed repeated attacks in recent times, with growing concerns among commuters and residents over safety on the route.