Pirates Abduct 20 Passengers, Including UTME Candidates, in Calabar

Tragedy struck the coastal waters of Cross River State today as pirates intercepted a passenger boat, abducting 20 individuals. Among the victims are several students who were reportedly on their way to sit for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The incident occurred near the Calabar waterways, a route frequently used by commuters to bypass road insecurity.

The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the abduction and stated that a joint task force involving the Nigerian Navy and local marine police has been deployed for a rescue operation. Eyewitnesses reported that the pirates emerged from the creeks in high-speed boats, firing into the air before forcing the passengers into their vessels and disappearing into the dense mangroves.

The abduction has sparked outrage among parents and education stakeholders, especially as it coincides with the first day of the national exams. JAMB has expressed deep concern over the safety of its candidates and is reportedly in contact with security agencies to determine if a special session can be organized for the affected students once they are safely rescued.

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