Police assure of rescue of kidnapped sea travellers in C’River
The Cross River State Police command has promised to rescue about 12 persons allegedly kidnapped last week by Sea Pirates while traveling to Akwa Ibom.
Although the incident took place in the waterways between the two states, the Cross River Commissioner of Police, CP Olusegun Eyitayo Omosanyin said he would work with Akwa Ibom State Command, the Nigeria Navy and other stakeholders to track the pirates and rescue the victims.
A press statement by the spokesperson of the State command, SP Irene Ugbo, stated that: ““The CP has engaged with the NN Victory Naval Commodore, A. Oride, on deep-sea rescue operations of the victims, because it is suspected the victims had been transported to a location in the high-sea deep water location which the Navy commander is currently combing.”
The Command stated that the unfortunate incident, which was not reported to the Marine Police Department or any unit of the Cross River State Command at the time of occurrence, hindered immediate intervention.
The police noted that preliminary intelligence indicates that the incident, which occurred along Calabar/Oron Waterways, opposite James Creek, makes it difficult for the Command to independently verify or act promptly on the report as of the time of the press interview.
The release added that despite jurisdictional limitations, CP Olusegun Eyitayo Omosanyin, has directed the Marine Department to activate all necessary measures. This, he said, includes intensified synergy with the Nigerian Navy, Akwa Ibom State Command, and other relevant sister security agencies to ensure swift and coordinated efforts toward locating and rescuing the alleged victims.
CP Olusegun Eyitayo reassures the public that protecting lives and property remains, “our constitutional mandate and top priority. Furthermore, dissemination of accurate and verified information through the Police Public Relations Department will continue to serve as a vital bridge between the Command and the good people of Cross River State,” he said.
