The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed that suspected sea pirates abducted 17 passengers along the Calabar-Oron waterways.

The incident happened on Thursday when armed men hijacked a commercial boat owned by Sea Express Limited, which was carrying at least 30 passengers from Calabar, Cross River, to Oron, Akwa Ibom.

Deputy Public Relations Officer of the command, Igri Ewa, confirmed the development on Friday in Calabar.

“We are aware of the abduction and we are making efforts to rescue the victims. At the moment, no contact has been made by their abductors, but we are on our toes to ensure they are released,” he said.

Family members said they have been unable to reach their loved ones as their phones remain switched off.

A local source told reporters that the attackers took away only 17 passengers because their getaway boat could not carry more.