By Gift Chapi-Odekina

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, called for the immediate release of 18 passengers, including women and children, who were abducted on May 6, 2025, while traveling by boat along the Bille and Bonny waterways in Rivers State.

The House also urged the Inspector General of Police to deploy newly donated gunboats to the affected areas to aid in the rescue operation and prevent further attacks.

Additionally, the House mandated its Committees on Navy and Police to ensure full compliance with these resolutions within four weeks. Lawmakers are also advocating for the permanent deployment of security houseboats and personnel at strategic points along the volatile waterways.

The attack, which also involved the hijacking of goods worth millions of naira, has sparked outrage and renewed calls for urgent government intervention. The victims were en route to Bille and Bonny Kingdoms — two coastal communities entirely dependent on water transport — when armed sea pirates ambushed their boats.

While moving the motion during plenary in Abuja, Representative Hart Cyril Godwin described the incident as not only a humanitarian crisis but also a significant blow to the local economy.

“This is not an isolated case. We must remember that on March 26, 2025, a similar attack occurred where six passengers were abducted. One of them was later killed — even after the ransom was paid. This is becoming a disturbing pattern,” he stated.

Godwin warned that repeated attacks along the Bille-Bonny corridor threaten the very lifeline of the region.

“When the waterways are no longer safe, it means the total shutdown of economic and social activities for the people who rely solely on them,” he added.

The lawmaker stressed the urgency of government intervention to restore safety and confidence in water transportation in the region.

“We cannot continue to live like this. Our people are being kidnapped and killed. Our markets are empty because our goods are stolen. We need protection,” Godwin concluded.

The House’s resolution is expected to fast-track security measures in the region and bring much-needed relief to the affected communities.