The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, demanded the unconditional release of 18 persons adopted by sea pirates on Tuesday, May 6, who were on their way to Bonny Kingdom, Rivers State.
The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rivers lawmaker, Mr Cyril Hart, at Tuesday’s plenary.
Recall that on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, boats carrying 18 passengers, including a pregnant woman and children with goods, heading to Bille and Bonny Kingdom in Rivers state, were abducted by sea pirates.
He said, “The House is aware that the only means of transportation of humans and material 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.
“We are 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 jeopardises 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, 2025, where six passengers were abducted, and one of the victims was later killed after a ransom was fully paid. This is to highlight the escalating nature of these sea criminals along the waterways.”
Hart further noted that the repeated incidents not only threaten lives but also undermine public confidence in our security architecture.
When the motion was put to a voice vote, members supported Hart in calling for “the immediate and unconditional release of the 18 persons kidnapped by the sea pirates without any further delay.”
The House also urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to deploy the recently donated gunboats to facilitate the rescue of the victims and implement strict security measures, including stationing security houseboats at strategic points to prevent future occurrences.
