The Cross River State Government has refuted reports alleging that over 15 passengers were abducted by gunmen along the Oron–Calabar waterway, describing the claim as false and misleading.
In an official statement issued by the Office of the Special Adviser on Marine Services, Capt. Otu Ita Otu, the government dismissed a report published by First Media Naija on April 20, 2026, which claimed the incident occurred on April 17.
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According to the statement, no such abduction took place on the official Calabar–Oron waterway, which is under the strict surveillance and control of the state government. Authorities clarified that although the boat in question departed Calabar en route to Oron, it did not travel along the approved and regulated waterway.
The government explained that the boat operator allegedly diverted to an unapproved shortcut route not recognized as part of the official maritime corridor, thereby operating outside the state’s monitored channels.
It further revealed that on the day of the alleged incident, the Special Adviser on Marine Services, alongside the State Security Adviser, conducted a routine patrol along the official route without recording any case of attack, abduction, or security breach.
Reaffirming safety measures on the waterway, the government noted that all boats operating on the official Calabar–Oron route are required to pass through between three and five marine security checkpoints to ensure passenger safety before reaching their destination.
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The statement also reiterated an existing restriction on waterway operations, emphasizing that no boat is permitted to operate beyond 6:00 p.m. daily as part of efforts to enhance security.
The government urged boat operators and maritime stakeholders to adhere strictly to approved routes and operating hours, warning that violations, including the use of unauthorized shortcuts, pose significant risks to lives and compromise the state’s maritime security framework.
It assured residents and commuters of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property across all marine transport corridors in the state.
